Giles’ 17 points propels KC Roos to home basketball victory over California Baptist

Jordan Giles scored 17 points as the Kansas City Roos men’s basketball team turned back California Baptist 69-63 on Wednesday night at Swinney Center.

Giles knocked down 7 of 11 shots from the floor, including both of his three-pointers, for the Roos (14-14, 6-7 Western Athletic Conference). Brandon McKissic added 13 points and three steals, while Javan White contributed 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Milan Acquaah topped the Lancers (18-8, 7-4) with 22 points, but he made just 6 of 17 shots, including 1 of 10 from beyond the three-point arc. De’jon Davis scored a season-high 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting before fouling out.

The victory pulled the Roos within one game in the win column for second place in the conference. Through Wednesday’s games, New Mexico State led the league at 12-0 and Cal Baptist is tied for second with Grand Canyon at 7-4, followed by Texas-Rio Grande Valley at 7-5 and the Roos at 6-7.

Kansas City shot 51% from the floor but only 33% from three-point range (5 of 15). The Roos made 12 of 14 free throws. California Baptist shot 35% overall and 20% from distance (5 of 25), but made 18 of 21 foul shots.

The Roos improved to 2-0 against the Lancers on the season. Kansas City defeated California Baptist 67-57 on Jan. 25.