Dec. 10, 2003

Box Score

KANSAS CITY - UMKC's Michael Watson scored 37 points on 15-of-23 shooting from the field as the Denver Pioneers fell to the Kangaroos 72-68, Wednesday night in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The loss ends Pioneers' three-game winning streak and drops them to 3-3. UMKC improves to 3-3.

"We began the game well, but a few five minute funks and Watson were the difference," said head coach Terry Carroll. "We continued to fight the whole game, but just could not make the one play we needed."

Junior guard Erik Benzel (Spokane, Wash.) led Denver with 21 points off a career-high seven 3-point baskets.

Watson's 3-pointer pulled the Kangaroos to within one (8-7) after Denver went on an early 8-0 run to start the game. The Pioneers responded from outside, as Benzel drained his fourth 3-point basket to give Denver a 19-14 lead with 9:39 remaining in the half. Senior forward Carvell McAlister (Fresno, Calif.) hit a baseline jumper at the 7:58 mark, pushing the Pioneers in front 21-14.

Denver had a chance to gain control of the contest, but two consecutive 3-pointers by UMKC's Brandon Lipsey tied the score at 25-25 with just 2:25 left in the first half. Corey Starks scored the lone point in the last two minutes, giving the Kangaroos a 26-25 halftime lead.

The Pioneers limped out of the locker room, allowing UMKC to score the first nine second-half points. A free throw by senior center Brett Starkey (Lakewood, Colo.) cut the margin to nine (37-28) with 15:58 remaining in the game. Three more 3-point baskets by Benzel ignited a 14-0 Denver run, but Watson hit two 3-pointers of his own to put the Kangaroos back in front 46-44 with 11:26 left.

UMKC reopened an eight-point lead (59-51) at the 7:28 mark on the back of six consecutive points by Watson. The Pioneers used eight consecutive points from Starkey to pull with in one at 62-61 with just 3:50 remaining in the contest. Denver pulled to within twice more, but was unable to overcome Watson the rest of the Kangaroos.

The Pioneers won the rebounding 42-29. Senior forward Zeljko Zupic (Sinj, Croatia) had his second consecutive double-double with 14 points and a game-high 12 boards. Junior point guard Rodney Billups (Denver, Colo.) added 11 points and 11 assists for Denver.

The Pioneers will continue non-conference action when they host instate-rival Colorado State on Sat., Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. The game can be seen live on Fox Sports Net.