Jahshire Hardnett leads UMKC to home victory over Western Illinois

UMKC once again has hoisted its season record above the .500 threshold.

The Kangaroos can thank guard Jahshire Hardnett for that.

Hardnett scored UMKC’s final four points, including two free throws with 5 seconds left, in lifting the ‘Roos to a 68-67 victory over Western Illinois at Swinney Center on Saturday night.

UMKC squandered a big lead. The ‘Roos led 39-27 at the break, but Western Illinois chipped away at that lead and started to take control of the game. The Leathernecks grabbed the lead with 6 minutes, 40 seconds left at 57-56.

It was UMKC playing catch-up from there. And catch up they did.

Hardnett made a layup — at the 1:19 mark — off a Brandon McKissic rebound and fastbreak that put the ‘Roos back in front 66-65.

But a Kobe Webster jumper put the Leathernecks ahead again before Hardnett got fouled with UMKC needing a bucket.

Hardnett made the free throws and finished with 19 points and six rebounds as UMKC improved to 5-4 on the season. Western Illinois, which was led by Ben Pyle’s game-high 21 points, dropped to 2-5.

Javan White had 12 points, five assists and 13 rebounds as the ‘Roos outrebounded the Leathernecks 38-29.

Saturday’s game was the ‘Roos’ first since their trip to Nassau, Bahamas, where last weekend they finished second in the Bahamas Showcase.

UMKC next plays at Iowa State on Wednesday.