Despite graduate student guard Ryan Lindberg’s 16 first-half points, the St. Thomas men’s basketball team was unable to take down UM Kansas City Tuesday, losing 76-67 at Schoenecker Arena.
The Tommies (8-15, 2-9 Summit League) played the Roos (16-9, 9-4) five days ago on February 3, falling 82-71 on the road.
“We’re not happy with the outcome but (I’m) very proud of how they competed,” coach John Tauer said.
The Tommies’ defense was largely able to shut down the Roos from distance, allowing only one 3-point shot on 10 attempts. However, the Roos were able to keep pace by scoring from short range, adding 42 points in the paint.
“Both teams competed hard. KC really pressures the ball; they’re physical,” Tauer said. “To their credit, they got to the foul line a lot.”
The two teams combined for 47 fouls on the night. The Tommies racked up 25 personal fouls on their own, allowing the Roos to shoot 29-for-37 from the free throw line.
The first half was a shot for shot battle between the two teams, with the Tommies going into halftime up 32-30. A majority of the second half was the same story.
“I thought it was a healthy competition for forty minutes,” Tauer said.
However, the Roos were able to put up eight unanswered points late in the second half to gain a 10-point lead, allowing them to close out the game.
“At that six or seven minute mark, we needed to get some big shots but didn’t,” Tauer said.
This loss extends the Tommies’ losing streak to eight, but Tauer remains proud of his team and their efforts.
“Every night out of this year, walking out of the building, win or lose I’ve been incredibly proud of them,” Tauer said.
The Tommies return to Schoenecker Arena at 7 p.m. Thursday to take on University of North Dakota.
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.