After 2-0 start, KC Roos drop first conference basketball game of the season

The Kansas City Roos men’s basketball team’s undefeated start in the Western Athletic Conference ended Thursday night.

Texas Rio Grande Valley beat the Roos 76-64 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Entering the game, the Roos (9-8, 2-1) had held opposing teams to 68.6 points per game, the second-lowest figure among all WAC teams, and were 9-1 when scoring more than 61 points.

KC’s four-game overall winning streak was also snapped.

Lesley Varner II and Jordan Jackson led UTRGV (5-10, 1-1) with 17 points. Javon Levi scored 15 points and made 12 assists

The Roos shot 51.1% from the field but just 20% from three (3 for 15), including 0 for 7 in the second half. Rob Whitfield, a 37.8% three-point shooter who had made 8 of 17 in his last three games, made just 2 of 8 from behind the arc.

Jahshire Hardnett led KC with 17 points.

The Roos will remain on the road and will face New Mexico State at 5 p.m. Saturday. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.