KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Despite a career-high 19 points from Jaden Jackson, the Utah Valley University men's basketball team dropped a 69-50 decision to Missouri-Kansas City Thursday night at the historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
 
UMKC (12-17, 7-5) got off to a quick start, taking a 14-4 lead six minutes into the game. Utah Valley (10-17, 4-8) answered with a 12-5 run to cut the UMKC lead to three points, 19-16, with 6:56 to go in the first period. The Kangaroos went into the break with a 32-26 advantage.
 
Jackson knocked down three shots from long range in a 2 minute 17 second span to open the second half, sparking an 11-3 UVU run to give the Wolverines a 37-35 lead with 15:39 to play. UMKC then used a 14-1 run halfway through the period to help the 'Roos secure the win.
 
"We worked hard and did a lot of good things but not enough," said Utah Valley head coach Dick Hunsaker. "Eventually we wore down midway through the second half and just were not able to keep pace."
 
Jackson, whose previous career high was 10 points, scored his 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field, including a 4-of-7 clip from beyond the arc. He was a perfect 1-for-1 from the charity stripe and tallied a rebound, an assist and a steal in the setback.
 
Mitch Bruneel recorded his 19th double digit scoring night of the season with 10 points. The senior forward also pulled down six rebounds with an assist. Zach Nelson led the Wolverines with eight rebounds while also dishing out a team-best four assists.
 
Reese Holliday led UMKC with 16 points. Martez Harris helped with 14 while Kevin Fanceschi added 10.
 
Utah Valley continues WAC road play at Chicago State on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 960 AM.