Photo Courtesy of Sam Eckler
Mavericks Take Down Kansas City, Advance to Summit League Tournament Semi-Final
By: Brian Tessmer
March 1, 2025 – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The Kansas City Roos entered the game riding high after a dominant 73-56 victory over Oral Roberts, setting a program record for the largest postseason margin of victory. Led by Jamar Brown’s 24-point performance—19 of which came in the first half—Kansas City surged past ORU to set up a showdown with Omaha.
The Mavericks, who swept Kansas City in the regular season with wins of 77-58 at home and 78-66 on the road, were well-positioned for this matchup. Omaha also dominated the Summit League’s regular-season awards, with Marquel Sutton earning Summit League Player of the Year honors and a First-Team All-Conference selection alongside JJ White. Head coach Chris Crutchfield was named Summit League Coach of the Year, and JaSean Glover was recognized on the All-Defensive Team.
First Half
Omaha started strong, fueled by an outstanding first-half performance from Marquel Sutton, who poured in 16 points, and JJ White, who added 12. The Mavericks led for 18 minutes and 58 seconds of the half, setting the tone early.
Kansas City struggled offensively, shooting just 28.5% from the field but managed to convert 30% from beyond the arc. The Roos also faced early foul trouble, with 6’8” center Melvin Ebonkoli picking up three fouls in just five minutes of action. Meanwhile, Omaha’s efficient shooting—over 50% from the field and 36% from three—helped them take a 40-26 lead into halftime.
Second Half
Omaha continued its offensive rhythm early in the second half, extending the lead to 19 points. However, after senior center Isaac Ondekane picked up his third foul and was forced to the bench, Kansas City responded with a 10-0 run, cutting the deficit to just nine points.
Despite Jamar Brown’s stellar effort—he finished with 27 points—Kansas City was unable to overtake Omaha. The Mavericks cooled off in the second half, shooting just 11-of-29 (37.9%) from the field and 1-of-5 from three, but they capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 7-of-11 attempts.
With Kansas City threatening late and closing within seven points, Lance Waddles delivered the dagger, knocking down Omaha’s only three-pointer of the second half to push the lead back to 10 points in the final minute. The Mavericks held on to secure a 70-61 victory.
Game Recap
Marquel Sutton, recently crowned Summit League Player of the Year, led all scorers with a dominant 28-point, 11-rebound performance. JJ White, a First-Team All-Conference selection, contributed 14 points, as Omaha finished with four players in double figures.
With the win, Summit League Coach of the Year Chris Crutchfield guided Omaha to their 20th victory of the season, marking just the second 20-win season in the program’s Division I era and the first since 2018-19. That season also saw the Mavericks make their last Summit League Championship Game appearance.
Omaha will now have Friday off as they await the winner of North Dakota State vs. South Dakota for their next tournament matchup.
