Three teams were battling for the final non-play-in game for the Summit League Tournament. A win against UMKC on the road in DU’s second-to-last regular season game would cement DU in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, poor shooting, uneven officiating and the inability to get on a scoring run led to the 64-56 road loss.

The Pioneers looked drained and distracted, especially the first 20 minutes of the 64-56 loss in Kansas City. Perhaps it was head coach Jeff Wulbrun on an unexpected ‘leave’ or, give the Roos credit, a shut-down defensive effort by the Roos.

The first half was the story of cold shooting as DU went 7 for 24 from the field and 0-6 from downtown with 7 turnovers. Denver trailed 28-16 at the break. The Roos, the best rebounding team in the Summit League, had an 11-board advantage in the half. Jamar Brown led the Roos with 14 points as UMKC went 38.5% from the field.

Denver picked up three quick fouls to open the second half and Isaiah Carr collected his fourth foul while Abdulai Fanta Kabba gathered his third personal to force DU into a small lineup. Denver could never get a run going in the second half with the Pioneers called for 15 personal foul to only 8 for UMKC as Kabba picked up his fifth foul.

With 2:23 remaining, a step-back jumper from DU’s Nicholas Shogbonyo, drew Denver within four points, 53-49, but the Pioneers could not secure enough stops down the stretch to narrow the margin. Final score, 64-56.

Denver can still avoid the Summit League Tournament play-in game with a win against South Dakota State at Hamilton Gym Saturday (1:00 pm MT) and a Kansas City loss against St. Thomas Saturday night (6:00 pm MT) in St. Paul, Minnesota.