Denver Pioneers Defeat Kansas City Roos 69-61
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Swinney Center
Denver Pioneers 69, Kansas City Roos 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Pioneers vs Kansas City Roos?
Denver Pioneers beat Kansas City Roos 69-61 at Swinney Center on January 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Pioneers vs Kansas City Roos?
Denver Pioneers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Denver Pioneers emerged victorious over the Kansas City Roos with a final score of 69-61 at the Swinney Center. This game marked another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two teams, with Denver now holding a 3-1 advantage in their recent meetings. The Pioneers had previously defeated the Roos 87-74 in their last encounter on December 31, 2025, showcasing a consistent upper hand in this matchup.
The Pioneers came into the game with a record of 10-13, having struggled recently with a 4-6 record over their last ten games. They were on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and the North Dakota State Bison. Despite this, Denver averaged 88.7 points scored and allowed 85.9 points over their last ten games, indicating a high-scoring style of play, albeit with defensive vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Roos faced significant challenges this season, holding a record of 4-18. Their recent form was even more concerning, with a 2-7-1 record in their last ten games and a five-game losing streak. The Roos averaged 67.4 points scored while allowing 76.6 points during this stretch. Their last five games saw them average 71.4 points scored but an alarming 88.8 points allowed, highlighting their defensive struggles.
At home, the Roos had a record of 1-3 in their last four games, while the Pioneers managed to secure a 3-2 record in their last five away games. This disparity in home and away performance played a crucial role in the outcome of the game, as the Pioneers were able to capitalize on their experience in hostile environments.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any notable absences for either team, which allowed both squads to field their regular lineups. This was particularly important for Denver, as they needed all available players to break their losing streak and regain momentum.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pioneers favored by a spread of 3.5 points, with a total set at 161.5. The odds reflected the Pioneers' stronger season record and recent performance, despite their own struggles. The moneyline odds showed Kansas City at +145 and Denver at -175, indicating a clear expectation of a Denver victory.
The game conditions were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. The Pioneers took control in the second half, with key plays from Logan Kinsey and Jayson Petty helping to secure their lead. Kinsey's contributions included a pair of crucial dunks and free throws that extended Denver's lead when it mattered most.
As the game progressed, Kansas City attempted to mount a comeback, with Jayson Petty hitting a significant three-pointer to bring the score to 65-61. However, Denver's subsequent free throws sealed their victory, as they capitalized on their opportunities at the line.
Fans watching the game were treated to a display of competitive basketball, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Denver's ability to execute in crucial moments ultimately made the difference, allowing them to walk away with the win. The Pioneers will look to build on this victory as they continue their season, while the Roos will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -3.5 | 161.5 o -110 / u -110 | Denver Pioneers -175 · Kansas City Roos +145 |
Leaders
- PointsKasheem Grady II17Kansas City Roos
- AssistsKasheem Grady II2Kansas City Roos
- ReboundsChris Dockery8Kansas City Roos
- PointsCarson Johnson22Denver Pioneers
- AssistsGabe Oldham3Denver Pioneers
- ReboundsGabe Oldham19Denver Pioneers
Recent form
Kansas City Roos
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak L567.4 scored · 76.6 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L60-77vs Omaha MavericksJan 25
- L62-90at South Dakota State JackrabbitsJan 17
- L83-99at South Dakota CoyotesJan 16
- L79-81vs North Dakota Fighting HawksJan 11
- L73-97vs North Dakota State BisonJan 9
- W73-66at Omaha MavericksJan 4
- L74-87at Denver PioneersDec 31
- W91-78vs McPherson McPHERSONDec 28
- D0-0vs Austin Peay GovernorsDec 21
- L79-91at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 19
Denver Pioneers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L288.7 scored · 85.9 allowed per game1-4 away
- L86-93vs North Dakota Fighting HawksJan 24
- L77-82vs North Dakota State BisonJan 23
- W98-87vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 15
- L72-82at South Dakota CoyotesJan 10
- L79-87at South Dakota State JackrabbitsJan 9
- L88-92at St. Thomas TommiesJan 4
- W87-74vs Kansas City RoosDec 31
- L85-90at Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 22
- W86-79at Northern Colorado BearsDec 20
- W129-93vs Colorado Colorado Springs Mountain LionsDec 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | 31-4 | - | 16-2 |
| Saint Mary's | 27-6 | - | 16-2 |
| Santa Clara | 26-9 | 1 | 15-3 |
| Oregon State | 17-16 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Seattle U | 21-14 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Pacific | 18-15 | 8 | 8-10 |
| San Francisco | 17-16 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Washington State | 12-20 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Loyola Marymount | 15-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Portland | 15-19 | 10 | 6-12 |
| San Diego | 12-21 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Pepperdine | 9-23 | 12 | 4-14 |
| North Dakota State | 27-8 | - | 14-2 |
| St. Thomas | 24-10 | 2 | 12-4 |
| North Dakota | 18-17 | 4 | 10-6 |
| South Dakota | 16-16 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Omaha | 16-17 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Denver | 15-17 | 7 | 8-8 |
| South Dakota State | 14-18 | 7 | 7-9 |
| Oral Roberts | 10-23 | 10 | 4-12 |
| Kansas City | 4-27 | 13 | 1-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Pioneers | Kansas City Roos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-68 | 24-63 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 5-25 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 20 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 8-16 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 51 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 20 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 25 |
| Assists | 6 | 7 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 30 |
| Fouls | 12 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 36 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-35Trey Booker-Lowery makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half34-35Logan Kinsey makes layup (Jeremiah Burke assists)
- 2nd Half34-37Kasheem Grady II makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half36-37Zane Nelson makes layup (Gabe Oldham assists)
- 2nd Half38-37Jeremiah Burke makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-37Gabe Oldham makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half40-39Chris Dockery makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half42-39Gabe Oldham makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-41Babacar Mbengue makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half42-42Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-43Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-44Gabe Oldham makes layup
- 2nd Half44-46Jayson Petty makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-46Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-46Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-47Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-48Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Jamaria Clark makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half49-50Carson Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half49-52Jerome Palm makes 5-foot hook shot (Kasheem Grady II assists)
- 2nd Half50-52Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-52Zane Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-52Carson Johnson makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half56-52Jeremiah Burke makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gabe Oldham assists)
- 2nd Half58-52Carson Johnson makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half58-54Jayson Petty makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half60-54Zane Nelson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-54Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-54Zane Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-56Kasheem Grady II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Kasheem Grady II makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half64-58Logan Kinsey makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half65-58Logan Kinsey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-61Jayson Petty makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chris Dockery assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Logan Kinsey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Shaun Wysocki makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-61Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-61Zane Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kansas City Roos, below favours Denver Pioneers.
Venue
- Swinney CenterKansas City, MO
- Attendance692
- OfficialsTim Comer, Scott Brown, Blanca Burns
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Denver Pioneers Defeat Kansas City Roos 87-74Dec 31, 2025