With only seven active players, one would think a team could be overlooked. That is nowhere near the case at this year’s Summit League Tournament. Kansas City is on a tear through the tournament field. The No. 10 team defeated No. 7 Denver on a Sanaa’ St. Andre buzzer beater in the play-in round. The very next day, it eliminated North Dakota State in another battle, earning a trip to the semifinals and a much needed day off. Manna Mensah, E’Lease Stafford, and Machia Mullens all contributed the full 40 points in the quarterfinal matchup, and are leading the tournament in minutes played (77, 80, and 75, through two games).
Manna Mensah is leading the tournament in scoring with 55 points. She is second in the average as Kacie Borowicz tallied 36 yesterday in North Dakota’s loss to Omaha. Mensah is also attempting 21.5 field goals per game, and making 9.5, meaning she’s shooting about 44% in tournament-only stats. She is the most efficient player in the tournament thus far, and ranks second in tournament assists. She is not the Roos’ only weapon. Mullens is leading the tournament in offensive rebounds, and is third in defensive rebounds.
Omaha does not come into the Denny Sanford Premier Center helpless, by any means. Graduate center, former Cyprus National Team member, and five-year starter Elena Pilakouta is one of the most calm and collected bigs the conference has seen in awhile. Pilakouta played 30 minutes and snatched a double-double in the Mavericks’ quarterfinal game yesterday with 14 points and 12 rebounds. She stayed out of foul trouble and was a solid defender in the paint. That could post a problem for the Roos, if they choose to score in the paint. Kennedi Grant and Aaliyah Stanley combined for 32 points yesterday as well. Stanley will likely attack the paint, as we have seen her do that consistently this season and particularly in the quarterfinal matchup against UND. Kansas City will need to cut off the lane if it hopes to keep Stanley contained. If that happens, we can expect Omaha to utilize Grace Cave. The Mavericks are playing balanced basketball, and there is no better time for that than the Summit League Tournament.
In Kansas City/Omaha matchup history, the Roos lead the series 7-6. The last 10 matchups hold a 5-5 record. It has always been a battle with these two, and we think it will be again today.
Omaha keys to the win:
-Guard the perimeter. KC does not typically score in the paint. If Omaha cuts off the arc, KC will be forced to dribble and drive.
-Contain Manna Mensah. Enough said.
Kansas City keys to the win:
-Draw up multiple ways to score. Relying too heavily on the perimeter will allow Omaha to shut it down quickly. Hit floaters, hit pull-up jumpers, and select smart shots.
-Ball movement. One extra pass could be the difference in whether or not Omaha shuts down the play. It will also help fluctuate the pace and keep Omaha on its toes.
No. 6 Omaha vs No. 10 Kansas City will be on Midco Sports at 3 p.m. today.