'Roos 'n Ramblers

Most local sports fans treat University of Missouri-Kansas City basketball as a distant but friendly relative. They think kind thoughts about the team and wish it well but don't spend much time in the stands. Unlike other local colleges, UMKC inspires neither love nor hatred, just box scores inside the fold within The Kansas City Star. New coach Matt Brown hopes to change local indifference. His rookie season continues Saturday at Municipal Auditorium (301 West 13th Street) as the Kangaroos face off against Loyola University Chicago. UMKC has started slowly this year, but the nonconference schedule for a small school is usually a testing ground before conference play. Loyola is a Jesuit school that plays its home games at the aptly named Gentile Center in Chicago. Although Jesuits are God's foot soldiers, the Ramblers have struggled in basketball. Apparently relying upon His will does not help decipher a matchup zone. Tickets cost $5 to $15. Call 816-235-5475.
Sat., Dec. 22, 2007