KC Roos lose at LSU in men’s basketball, drop to 0-2; next up, a game at Illini Friday

The Kansas City Roos men’s basketball team had its chances to cut into LSU’s lead on the road Wednesday night, but any time they got within a few scores, they couldn’t hit timely shots.

The Roos’ 74-63 loss at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge marked their second straight loss to open the season, and the second defeat in as many games for the Marvin Menzies era at UMKC. Menzies was hired this past offseason to succeed Billy Donlon as head coach.

The Roos lost to NCAA Div. II Lincoln 59-56 to open their season Monday night.

On Wednesday, Kansas City shot 32.8% from the field and just 4 for 25 from three-point range. LSU never trailed after opening a 3-0 lead on its second possession of the game.

The Roos did trim LSU’s lead to five points with a little over five minutes remaining in the game, but they could get no closer.

The Tigers outrebounded Kansas City 45-38 and led 41-34 at halftime.

KC’s Shemarri Allen scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed six rebounds to go along with four assists and three steals. Teammate RayQuawndis Mitchell had 15 points for his second straight double-figure scoring performance.

Illinois transfer Adam Miller led the Tigers with 18 points. KJ Williams had a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

The game also marked the debut of LSU head coach Matt McMahon, who was hired away from Murray State this past offseason to coach the Tigers.

The KC Roos are back in action at 7 p.m. Friday at Illinois. The game against the Fighting Illini will be the Roos’ first test of the season against a Top 25-ranked opponent.

This story was originally published November 9, 2022 at 10:30 PM.