KC Roos men’s basketball returns to win column with victory over South Dakota

In their last two games — both coming on the road — the KC Roos men’s basketball team allowed 70-plus points.

The result? Two losses.

But after a strong defensive first-half showing Monday night, Kansas City (5-9, 1-0 Summit League) snapped a two-game losing streak with a 62-45 win over South Dakota (5-8, 0-1). The Roos had also lost five of six entering Monday.

The Roos allowed 19 first-half points and took a 30-19 lead into the locker room. Most of the Coyotes’ damage came from deep, as the Roos limited them to just four baskets in the paint.

RayQuawndis Mitchell played all 40 minutes for Kansas City and tallied 28 points to go along with five rebounds and an assist. Shemarri Allen also scored in double figures, posting 13 points. He added seven rebounds.

Kansas City will be back in action against South Dakota State at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

KC women’s basketball falls in conference opener

Unlike the men’s team, The KC women’s basketball team opened Summit League play with a South Dakota road trip. And the Roos were no match.

South Dakota (5-7, 0-1 Summit League) led 25-8 at the end of the first quarter and took a 28-point lead into halftime as it cruised by KC (4-8, 0-1) 82-59 in the conference opener.

For most of the night, it was the Grace Larkins show. She recorded 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the win. Two other Coyotes scored in double figures as well.

For the Roos, Rain Greene shot 7-for-22 for 21 points to lead the team. In the first quarter, the Roos led 4-2 after one minute of play but made just one more field goal the rest of the frame.

The Roos will travel to South Dakota State at 7 p.m. on Wednesday for their second conference game.