UMKC wins tournament opener in Bahamas Showcase

The UMKC Kangaroos opened up their basketball trip to the Bahamas with a victory.

Jashire Hardnett tossed in a career-high 25 points as UMKC turned back George Washington 74-68 on Friday at the Islands of the Bahamas Showcase.

UMKC will face East Carolina in Saturday’s semifinals. East Carolina beat Evansville 85-68 in Friday’s action.

Hardnett hit 12 of his 13 free throws and added five rebounds for the Kangaroos (3-3). Marvin Nesbitt Jr. pitched in with 13 points and seven boards, while Jordan Giles scored 10.

Armel Potter topped the Colonials (1-4) with 19 points and six assists.

UMKC had a 36-29 advantage on the boards. The Kangaroos grabbed 17 offensive rebounds, leading to a 14-0 edge in second-chance points.

UMKC took control of the game with a 25-10 run in the second half. The ‘Roos trailed 30-23 at the half but outscored the Colonials 51-38 in the second half.

This story was originally published November 22, 2019 at 6:50 PM.