UMKC at Kansas Basketball Predictions: Hit The Glass

The Kansas Jayhawks are perfect on their 4-game home stand halfway through it, with a rivalry matchup coming up in Allen Fieldhouse this weekend. But before they can get there, they need to deal with a visit from another local team: the UMKC Roos.

You wouldn't think that the Jayhawks would have an issue with the Roos after defeating the Huskies, but we've also seen some inexplicable results so far, including a recent struggle against Eastern Illinois. Will Kansas be able to avoid a similar type of game? Or will this be another nail-biter for Jayhawks watching the game tonight?

Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hope over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.

Kyle Davis

Check out our UMKC Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Derek Noll

This game against the Kansas City Kangaroos seems a bit like the Eastern Illinois game, but I think the Jayhawks will fare much better. Sure, this one is again sandwiched between two big opponents, but seeing as the Jayhawks played flat against the Panthers, a fact that Bill Self probably stressed rather firmly, their minds should be completely focused when the Roos come into Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas holds the advantage in every position but none stronger than down low where UMKC doesn’t have a single player taller than six-nine. Feed Hunter Dickinson early and often, get KJ skying for alley-oops, and put this game to bed by the half. 

Kansas 99, Kansas City 60.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

I’m with Derek, I have a hard time seeing this game being the same kind of lookahead game that the Eastern Illinois contest was, even with Missouri on deck. I hate to sound like a broken record, but against an inferior and smaller opponent it’s time to keep feeding Dickinson. Frankly, I’m not sure how much you can “test out” against another opponent in the low 200s in Kenpom, but freeing the three to try to develop a little momentum there couldn’t hurt in this matchup, either. Regardless, KU should roll. 

Kansas 93, Kansas City 64.

Andy Mitts

You always worry a little bit about a let-down game, but UMKC is not the type of team that you would expect to be able to take advantage of that let-down. The only thing they do moderately well is rebound, where they are right around Top 50 in the nation on both the offense and the defense. In fact, they get the 12th highest percentage of their points on putbacks in the nation, so those rebounds are probably going to be a point of emphasis for Bill Self in this game. Except for forcing turnovers, it's the worst aspect of this defense, and it will need to be shored up.

Hunter Dickinson is obviously the big rebounder on the team, and he will get plenty of opportunities. But I'm also looking to Parker Braun (and a lesser extent KJ Adams) to avoid any sort of drop-off when Dickinson isn't on the floor. I think they will rise to occasion and Kansas will be able to completely shut down the Roos.

Kansas 92, UMKC 61.