- Matchup: UMKC Kangaroos vs Denver Pioneers
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Venue: Hamilton Gymnasium, Denver, CO
- Broadcast: ESPN+
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
The Denver Pioneers (7-8) are set to face off against the UMKC Kangaroos (2-11) this Wednesday at Hamilton Gymnasium.
In their last outing, the UMKC Kangaroos faced off against Oklahoma State, suffering a 91-79 defeat. They posted a field goal percentage of 37.3% (25 of 67) and converted 11 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, UMKC showed proficiency, converting 18 of 22 for an 81.8% rate. They grabbed 28 rebounds, with 11 coming from the offensive glass, and dished out 13 assists while forcing 15 turnovers and securing 11 steals. However, their defense struggled, allowing Oklahoma State to shoot 58.1% (36 of 62). The Cowboys recorded 18 assists and 8 steals, while also collecting 39 rebounds (9 offensive, 30 defensive) and achieving a free throw rate of 73.7% (14 of 19). The Kangaroos committed 16 personal fouls, compared to 19 for Oklahoma State.
Karmello Branch stood out for UMKC, finishing with a 31.6% shooting rate while contributing 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 18 points from 6 of 19 shooting over 35 minutes of play.
Currently, UMKC holds a record of 2-11 for the season, averaging only 70.0 points per game, which ranks them 319th in Division 1. They have a field goal percentage of 41.6% and a three-point shooting rate of 29.5% (79 of 268). From the free-throw line, they convert 69.5% of their attempts. The Kangaroos average 34.5 rebounds per game and have dished out 157 assists this season, ranking 305th in Division 1. They also average 15.2 turnovers and commit 17.6 fouls per game.
Defensively, the Kangaroos force 13.3 turnovers each game and commit 19.8 fouls. They give up a 32.5% shooting rate from three-point land and rank 336th in points allowed per game (82.4). UMKC permits a field goal percentage of 48.0% (401 of 836) and averages 39.8 rebounds allowed per game. Their defense is ranked 341st in college hoops for assists given up, having allowed 220 thus far.
In their most recent game, the Denver Pioneers experienced a 90-85 loss against Tulsa. In rebounding, they allowed Tulsa to secure 37 total rebounds (17 offensive). From the three-point line, Denver managed only 28.6% (6 of 21) and finished with an 18 out of 24 showing from the charity stripe (75.0%). Tulsa hit 33 of 74 shots (44.6%) against the Pioneers’ defense. Denver finished with 29 of 65 total shots from the floor, also at 44.6%. Their long-range shooting was 6 of 23 (26.1%), and they converted 80.8% of their free throws (21 out of 26). Tulsa committed 22 fouls, leading to 26 free-throw attempts for the Pioneers. Denver coughed up the ball 15 times while securing 5 steals and recorded 35 total rebounds (23 defensive and 12 offensive).
Carson Johnson played a key role for the Pioneers, scoring 20 points in 30 minutes, dishing out 1 assist, shooting 6 of 17 (35.3%), and grabbing 4 boards.
Overall, Denver has a season record of 7-8. Offensively, they are shooting at a rate of 49.1%, which places them 49th in Division 1. They have tallied 1,262 points this season (84.1 points per game) and average 32.7 rebounds. Their assist average stands at 11.8 per game (ranked 330th in Division 1), and they commit 11.0 turnovers per game. The Pioneers average 16.9 personal fouls per game and shoot 76.4% from the free-throw line.
On the defensive end, the Pioneers rank 351st in points allowed per game (85.3). They force 10.1 turnovers each game and allow opponents to shoot 50.1% (357th in the nation). Denver permits a three-point percentage of 40.6% (144 of 355) and allows 68.8% of opponent free throws. They average 13.6 assists and 33.8 rebounds allowed per game, ranking 204th and 150th in college basketball respectively.
Who will prevail in tonight’s matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on UMKC
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
