“Vandal Hoops take on Kansas City in midweek test”

MOSCOW, Idaho– The Vandal men’s basketball team heads to Kansas City, Missouri for a midweek matchup against the Kansas City Roos. The meet is part of the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge and begins at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Here’s how to follow

Idaho vs. Kansas City // December 4th at 5pm PST

Watch: Summit League Network

Live Statistics: SIDEARM Live Statistics

Hear: The Varsity Network or GoVandals.com/Listen

Notables

The Vandal attack continues to be powered by three-point ball, as Idaho ranks 69th nationally in the nation with 9.4 three-pointers per game and third in the Big Sky in three-pointers and 36.4 of its attempts from beyond the arc transformed. Following their win over UC Riverside, the Vandals have made five or more three-pointers in 21 straight games.

Tyler Mr has led Idaho in that effort, attempting 22.8 percent of the Vandals’ threes and making 2.86 threes per game on 42.6 percent shooting, a mark that ranks third-best in the Big Sky.

Jack Payne continues to contribute to his team for the Vandals, leading with 206 minutes in 2024. The Boise native ranks fourth in the conference with 1.8 steals per game and has grabbed the second-most rebounds per game on the team with 4.9.

Idaho contributed heavily off the bench: 28.4 points per game came from non-starters, making it the second-best team in the Big Sky.

Out last time

Idaho secured its third win of the season against UC Riverside 80-68 on Saturday.

The Vandals’ offense was led by Kristian Gonzales with a career-high 24 points, the most by a Vandal this season. Kolton Mitchell added a season-high 16 points to the table Kyson Rose had a team-high seven rebounds and five assists.

Exploring the Roos

Kansas City enters the matchup at 4-5 after losing to Southeast Missouri State (59-80). The Roos faced two ranked opponents in their first nine games, as well as four meetings with non-Division 1 teams.

So far, Kansas City has one of the best defenses in the country and is in the top 30 in points allowed, points margin and steals. The Roos are allowing just 61.1 points per game, winning by an average of 18.7 points and scoring 10, 6 steals per game, which is 14th in Division 1.

Jamar Brown led the way for the Roos, scoring 15.3 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and averaging 2 steals per game. The senior from Chandler, Arizona, is Kansas City’s top threat from beyond the arc and converted 39 percent of his three-point attempts. Brown has dropped 20 points three times in his five appearances in 2024 and has missed the last four games. Jayson Petty and Anderson Kopp complement the Roos’ attack, scoring 13.6 and 12.9 points per game, respectively.

The Roos finished the 2023-24 season 10-6 in the conference and 16-16 overall. Kansas City brought in seven transfers and two true freshmen this season and returned eight. The Roos were picked to finish first in the Summit League preseason poll after finishing second in the regular season a year ago.

Series history vs. Kansas City

The Vandals hold a 2-1 record over the Roos. The two teams have not met since the 2013-14 WAC Men’s Basketball Tournament, when Idaho cruised to a three-point victory in a tight quarterfinal, 73-70.

Next

Idaho returns to the West Coast to take on Oregon State on Saturday, December 7th. The launch date is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PST.

Follow

Fans can follow the Vandals all season long on Facebook, Instagram and X at @VandalHoops and with the voice of the Vandals, Dennis Patchin, at GoVandals.com/Listen. All home and conference contests will be broadcast live on ESPN+.