UMKC Kicks Off Three Game Homestand With Appalachian State

The 'Roos start a three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon with Appalachian State coming to town for the first meeting ever between the two schools. This is the first meeting between the Mountaineers and the 'Roos but Kansas City is 3-1 against teams from the Southern Conference, defeating Wofford last season, posting a 2-0 mark against Samford, and falling to Tennesee-Chattanooga. UMKC looks to get back to .500 for the fifth time this season, while the Mountaineers are are gunning to snap a seven-game skid. This is the longest home stand of the season for the 'Roos until they  play three in a row at home from Jan. 3-9.

Appalachian State comes into the weekend on a seven-game losing streak, with several close defeats along the way. The Mountaineers have a 1-7 mark, and will be making their second trip to the state of Missouri, falling to the Tigers by 16.

They are led by sophomore swingman Jay Canty, who puts up 18.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, while forward Nathan Healy averages 13.8 points and 6.0 boards an outing. Sophomore guard Tab Hamilton is the third player in double-figures at 11.8 per outing.

As a team the Mountaineers play fast-paced, allowing 78.1 points per game, while scoring 71.5 per outing. They are solid on the glass, out-rebounding opponents by 0.5 per contest.

A victory would mean Kansas City would have answered its last five losses with wins. It would also move the team’s record to 4-2 against Division I mid-major schools this season and the 'Roos would have a 3-1 home record this season, and be at .500 for the fifth time overall.

Tipoff is set for 1:0pm and will be broadcast on KCTE 1510 am with Steven Davis and Steven St. John.

Kansas City will face its first BCS conference opponent at home since December 30, 2003 against Kansas State, when Big 12 member Iowa State (It will be the first ever meeting with the Cyclones) comes to Municipal Auditorium for a 7:05 p.m. tipoff on Wednesday. Kansas City is 6-31 against teams from the current Big 12, with four wins against Baylor, one against K-State, and one vs. Texas Tech.