Bison Defense Stifles Kangaroos, 63-44

The North Dakota State Bison used a strong defensive effort to coast past the Kansas City 'Roos on Saturday night in men's basketball action, taking a 63-44 win in the final game of the season at Municipal Auditorium.

The Kangaroos (4-12, 1-4 SL) have now lost eight straight games, the longest streak since dropping eight last year from December 19-January 14. North Dakota State (13-3, 4-0 SL) extended its win streak to five games, and remained unbeaten in conference play.

Another slow start plagued the 'Roos as NDSU jumped out to a 12-4 advantage in the first seven minutes. The Bison held UMKC without a bucket until the 13:09 mark on a layup by Nelson Kirksey.

North Dakota State would lead the rest of the night, and pushed its advantage to as many as 14 in the first period. TrayVonn Wright hit a jumper with 6:26 on the clock to make it 23-9, but Kansas City closed the half by scoring 10 points in the final 6:11, keeping the margin to nine at the half, 28-19.

The 'Roos shot 37.5 percent in the half against the Bison, who came into the contest holding opponents to a conference best 38 percent. Kansas City also made 10 turnovers in the half, while NDSU hit 48 percent, scoring 18 of its 28 points in the paint.

The final stanza was much of the same, as the Bison scored 22 of their 35 points in the paint. Kansas City could get as close as seven points at the 14:51 mark, but North Dakota State locked it down on defense and held the 'Roos without a point until 7:15 showed on the clock. During that stand, NDSU built its advantage to as many as 23 points (48-25), virtually sealing the contest.

Kansas City shot only 29.2 percent in the final half, and 32.5 percent for the game. NDSU also took a 37-25 advantage on the glass, and out-scored UMKC 40-18 in the paint.

Estan Tyler was the only 'Roos in double figures with 10 points. Wright led NDSU with 17 points and 10 boards, while Taylor Braun finished with 14 and Marshall Bjorklund had 11.

Kansas City will host Utah Valley in a non-conference contest on Wednesday at Swinney Recreation Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.