Denver Pioneers Defeat Kansas City Roos 87-74
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · Hamilton Gymnasium
Denver Pioneers 87, Kansas City Roos 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Kansas City Roos vs Denver Pioneers?
Denver Pioneers beat Kansas City Roos 87-74 at Hamilton Gymnasium on December 31, 2025.
Who was favored in Kansas City Roos vs Denver Pioneers?
Denver Pioneers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Denver Pioneers secured a solid victory over the Kansas City Roos with a final score of 87-74. The game, held at Hamilton Gymnasium, showcased the Pioneers' offensive strength, particularly in the second half, where they maintained control and extended their lead. This win improves Denver's record to 9-8, while Kansas City falls to 3-13.
The Pioneers entered the game with a mixed recent form, having a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. Their scoring average in this stretch was notable, with 88.2 points per game, while they allowed an average of 87.3 points. Denver's recent performances included a high-scoring win against the Colorado Colorado Springs Mountain Lions, where they triumphed 129-93, but they also faced a setback against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, losing 85-90 prior to this game. The Pioneers have shown a stronger performance at home, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five home games.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Roos have struggled significantly this season, with a record of 2-7-1 in their last ten games. They averaged just 65.2 points per game while allowing 71.7 points. Their most recent outing was a win against the McPherson McPHERSON, where they scored 91 points, but prior to that, they had faced a series of defeats, including a loss to Oklahoma State Cowboys, where they fell 79-91. The Roos have particularly struggled on the road, with an away record of 0-5.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Pioneers and Roos split their previous two meetings this season, each winning one game. Denver won the earlier encounter 69-68 at home on January 31, while Kansas City took the second meeting 64-56 on February 28.
Injuries were not highlighted in the provided facts, so both teams appeared to field their full rosters for this contest. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Pioneers favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in Denver's ability to win this matchup convincingly.
The conditions during the game were conducive to an exciting basketball atmosphere, with both teams eager to secure a win. Denver's offensive prowess was evident, especially in the second half, as they executed scoring plays effectively. Key moments included Jerome Palm's layup assisted by CJ Evans, and a series of free throws by Zane Nelson and Carson Johnson that helped the Pioneers maintain their lead.
Overall, this game was a critical win for the Pioneers, reaffirming their competitive edge in the league, while the Roos will need to regroup and address their ongoing struggles as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -9.5 | 156.5 o -112 / u -108 | Kansas City Roos +410 · Denver Pioneers -550 |
Leaders
- PointsCarson Johnson23Denver Pioneers
- AssistsJeremiah Burke2Denver Pioneers
- ReboundsJeremiah Burke11Denver Pioneers
- PointsKarmello Branch18Kansas City Roos
- AssistsCJ Evans8Kansas City Roos
- ReboundsChris Dockery11Kansas City Roos
Recent form
Denver Pioneers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L188.2 scored · 87.3 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L85-90at Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 22
- W86-79at Northern Colorado BearsDec 20
- W129-93vs Colorado Colorado Springs Mountain LionsDec 17
- L86-105vs Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 13
- W97-61vs Alaska Anchorage SeawolvesDec 12
- W95-59vs Colorado Christian CougarsDec 10
- L79-93at Idaho State BengalsDec 6
- W93-89vs Eastern Washington EaglesDec 4
- L59-101at Wyoming CowboysNov 27
- L73-103at Arizona WildcatsNov 25
Kansas City Roos
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak W165.2 scored · 71.7 allowed per game0-5 away
- W91-78vs McPherson McPHERSONDec 28
- D0-0vs Austin Peay GovernorsDec 21
- L79-91at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 19
- L67-89at Oklahoma SoonersDec 17
- W102-75vs Spurgeon KnightsDec 14
- L60-64vs Weber State WildcatsDec 11
- L66-90at Eastern Washington EaglesDec 6
- L59-68vs Idaho State BengalsDec 4
- L61-82at Weber State WildcatsNov 29
- L67-80at Lindenwood LionsNov 25
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Kansas City Roos | Denver Pioneers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-61 | 29-62 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 4-21 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 19 | 35 |
| Free throws | 16-23 | 21-26 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 25 |
| Assists | 11 | 10 |
| Steals | 3 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 38 |
| Fouls | 20 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-54Logan Kinsey makes layup
- 2nd Half44-55Logan Kinsey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-55Addarin Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Addarin Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-58Jeremiah Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Shaun Wysocki assists)
- 2nd Half48-58Karmello Branch makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-59Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-60Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-60Jerome Palm makes layup (Addarin Scott assists)
- 2nd Half50-63Carson Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Julius Rollins assists)
- 2nd Half53-63Kasheem Grady II makes 24-foot three point jumper (Addarin Scott assists)
- 2nd Half53-66Jeremiah Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Shaun Wysocki assists)
- 2nd Half55-66Kasheem Grady II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-67Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-68Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-68Karmello Branch makes driving layup (CJ Evans assists)
- 2nd Half57-71Shaun Wysocki makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Burke assists)
- 2nd Half57-72Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-72CJ Evans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-72Chris Dockery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-72Chris Dockery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-74Zane Nelson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-74CJ Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-74CJ Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-76Carson Johnson makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-79Jeremiah Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Carson Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half64-79Addarin Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-79Addarin Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-79Chris Dockery makes layup
- 2nd Half69-79Jerome Palm makes 1-foot dunk (CJ Evans assists)
- 2nd Half69-80Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-81Zane Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-81Jerome Palm makes layup (CJ Evans assists)
- 2nd Half72-81CJ Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-83Shaun Wysocki makes 1-foot dunk (Jeremiah Burke assists)
- 2nd Half72-84Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-85Zane Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-85Karmello Branch makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half74-86Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-87Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Pioneers, below favours Kansas City Roos.
Venue
- Hamilton GymnasiumDenver, CO
- Attendance984
- OfficialsVerne Harris, Mark Riggs, Crystal Hogan
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- 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
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Denver Pioneers Defeat Kansas City Roos 69-61Jan 28, 2026