The Basics
Score: Oral Roberts 56 – Kansas City 73
Record: ORU (7-23), (3-13) – Kansas City (13-19), (13-3)
Location: Denny Sanford PREMIERE Center (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
 
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Oral Roberts men's basketball team saw its 2024-25 season come to an end after losing 73-56 to Kansas City in the play-in game of the Summit League Tournament on Wednesday night.
 
Oral Roberts opened the game with energy, jumping out to a six-point lead midway through the first half behind strong play from Issac McBride and Sam Alajiki. However, Kansas City responded with a surge of its own, using second-chance points and improved shooting to wrestle control away from the Golden Eagles. ORU struggled to contain Jamar Brown, who poured in 19 first-half points, including five three-pointers, as the Roos steadily built momentum. Meanwhile, ORU's offense stalled late in the half, with missed opportunities in the paint allowing Kansas City to take a 29-23 advantage into the locker room.
 
The second half saw Kansas City assert itself even further, capitalizing on ORU's struggles from deep while controlling the glass. Despite McBride's efforts, who finished with a team-high 19 points, and Alajiki's efficient play at the free-throw line, ORU could not keep pace with the Roos' offensive efficiency. Kansas City shot a scorching 59.3% from the field after halftime and found repeated success in transition, stretching its lead to double digits midway through the period. ORU had no answer for Brown, who led all scorers with 24 points, while the Roos' ability to generate 26 second-chance points proved to be the difference. A late 21-8 run sealed ORU's fate as Kansas City pulled away for a commanding 73-56 victory.
 
Box Score Highlights
Oral Roberts Individuals: Issac McBride 19 points, 6 rebounds; Sam Alajiki 12 points, 6 rebounds.
 
Kansas City Individuals: Jamar Brown 24 points, 5-10 3PT; Jayson Petty 18 points, 7 rebounds.
 
Key Team Stats
ORU shot 40.4 percent (19-47) from the floor, 25.0 percent (5-20) from three, and 81.3 percent (13-16) from the free throw line. ORU had 12 turnovers, and the Roos had 10. KC controlled the glass 35-28 and won the points in the paint battle 32-24. Kansas City dominated the second-chance points 26-10.
 
Key Stats & Notes

• With 19 points tonight, Issac McBride moved into tenth place all-time at ORU in scoring (1,966 points)
• Mathok Majok recorded a career-high four blocks.
• ORU finishes the 2024-25 campaign 7-23.

For the latest information on ORU men's basketball, follow @ORUMBB on X, Instagram, and Facebook or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the ORU Athletics App in the Google Play or App Store.