UMKC tops Nebraska-Omaha 79-72, halts losing streak vs. Division I foes

UMKC needed a boost and got one Saturday.

The Kangaroos had dropped seven straight to Division I opponents, all on the road. UMKC came home and ended the streak with a 79-72 victory over Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday in front of 2,719 at Municipal Auditorium.

The Kangaroos got 25 points and six assists from point guard Martez Harrison. Frank Williams added 16 and Deshon Taylor 12 as UMKC improved to 4-7.

UMKC opened a six-point lead early in the second half but fell behind 53-44 with 14 minutes remaining. Reese Holiday scored UMKC’s next five and Taylor’s layup completed a 7-0 run that reserved the game’s momentum.

A Frank Williams three-pointer tied the game 61-61 and Harrison’s basket moments later gave UMKC a lead it wouldn’t surrender.

UMKC came up with 16 steals, forced 26 Omaha turnovers and covered the mistakes into 26 points.

The Mavericks had defeated Marquette and Nevada earlier this season

The Kangaroos’ home stand continues Saturday against Incarnate Wood and Dec. 22 against Tennessee Tech. Both games at Municipal are part of a doubleheader with the UMKC women’s team.

This story was originally published December 13, 2014 at 11:04 PM with the headline "UMKC tops Nebraska-Omaha 79-72, halts losing streak vs. Division I foes."