SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Kansas City women’s basketball season has come to an end as the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles flew past the Roos.
KC began the game 3-10 from the field and 0-2 from three-point range, possibly showing some fatigue from Friday’s game against North Dakota State.
Through the first quarter the Roos were in an early deficit, trailing 21-16.
“To be picked ninth in preseason ranking, and come out and do what we did this season, I’m just really proud of them,” said head coach Dionnah Jackson-Durrett. “At times during the season stretch they could have quit but they didn’t, you can’t ask much more from a team.”
As Kansas City showed some grit by not quitting, sophomore guard Elauni Bennett continued where she left off last night with another double-double, picking up over 10 points and 10 rebounds before halftime.
However junior guard Taleyah Jones had other plans for the Golden Eagles as she finished the half with 10 points of her own.
Oral Roberts had all the momentum going into halftime with a 15-point lead over the Roos, 48-33.
Kansas City was up to 13 turnovers to start the third quarter, while the Golden Eagles had only three.
To make a comeback, the Roos would need to take care of the ball.
Unfortunately for Kansas City, the turnovers continued to pile up. The team ended up with15 with 2:55 remaining in the third quarter.
“Adversity makes you stronger,” said Elauni Bennett. “and that goes on outside of life.”
As the Roos tried to make one more push through adversity, the Bennett twins left it all on the court. sophomore guard Emani Bennett finished with 16 points and Elauni with 17.
Despite the Roos efforts, Oral Roberts had four scorers in double figures, which was too much.
As the game came to an end the turnovers never did. The Roos finished with a total of 19.
With the final score 95-73 Coach Jackson-Durett was still in good spirits.
“This game does not define our season,” said Jackson-Durrett.
In the preseason poll, the Roos were counted out, being predicted to finish ninth before the season even began. The team made it to the semifinal round, shattering expectations.
Looking forward to next season, the Roos have only three players graduating.
Retaining their all conference player in junior guard Alayna Contreras and bringing back the Bennett twins who led them in multiple categories, the future for Kansas City looks exciting.
