UMKC Cruise in Lone Exhibition, 88-56

The Kansas City men's basketball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back on Saturday night in their only exhibition contest, taking out the Ottawa (Kan.) Braves 88-56.

The 'Roos scored the game's first seven points, and the lead hovered around 10 points most of the half. With about three minutes remaining in the half, a couple free throws from Trinity Hall, followed by a three from junior forward Kirk Korver on the next possession made it 15 points. A layup from freshman guard Mason Wedel with three seconds left gave the 'Roos their largest lead of the game at 17, going into the half up 45-28.

Kansas City shot 44 percent in the period, and hit 5-of-10 from long range. The 'Roos held Ottawa to only 30 percent shooting, and a 0-for-6 clip from beyond the arc.

It was a balanced effort for UMKC as well. Korver, junior guard Nate Rogers, and junior forward Nelson Kirksey each had seven to lead the way, while Hall tallied six. The only person with more than six at the half for the Braves was Julian Rose, who had a game-high 12 points.

The second half was nearly identical in terms of points, with UMKC out-scoring the Braves by 15 points. The catalyst was Rogers, who hit his second three of the period with 15:50 on the clock to push the advantage to 22.

After a mini-run by the Braves, Hall started the 'Roos on a rally of their own, getting a bucket and the foul with 11:06 left. Kansas City followed that with three consecutive treys, including two more from Rogers and another by Korver to go up 27 with 9:32 on the clock.

UMKC ran the Braves off the floor in the final three minutes, forcing turnovers and getting transition buckets. Freshman guard John Burke had all eight of the Kansas City points (and all eight of his), including two thunderous fastbreak dunks.

The 'Roos finished the contest shooting 44.4 percent with 11 three-pointers and a 29-of-33 clip from the free-throw line. They held Ottawa to 31.7 percent from the floor and only one three-pointer. The Braves did take a 42-33 advantage on the glass, including 20 offensive boards.

Individually, Rogers led three players in double figures, tallying 12 of his 19 points in the second half. He was 5-of-8 from three as well. Hall had 12 points, going 10-of-12 from the line, while Korver chipped in 10 and tied a team-best with seven rebounds, along with senior center Brad Reid.

UMKC will open the season on Friday night at Seton Hall in South Orange, N.J. The tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CST from Walsh Gym.