OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — A pair of Summit League teams seeking momentum open their conference schedules Saturday when the Omaha Mavericks host the Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos at Baxter Arena.

The Mavericks (7-9) enter with a more favorable overall record than the Kangaroos (3-12), but both squads have struggled recently. Omaha has lost three of its last four, including an 84-69 league road loss to South Dakota State on Thursday. The Kangaroos have dropped eight of their last nine, most recently falling 87-74 at Denver on Wednesday.

Omaha will lean on forward Paul Djobet, who is coming off a 22-point, four-rebound performance against South Dakota State. It was his second 22-point outing in the last three games, demonstrating his capacity as a primary scoring option.

For UMKC, forward Chris Dockery provides a spark off the bench. He recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes against Denver, showing his efficiency and rebounding prowess. Guard U’Riyah Evans, who had 17 points and eight assists in that loss, is the team’s key playmaker.

The Kangaroos’ offense has been inconsistent, failing to reach 70 points in seven of their 12 losses. Omaha’s defense, allowing 74.1 points per game, will look to exploit that. The Mavericks have been stronger at home, posting a 5-2 record at Baxter Arena compared to a 2-7 mark on the road.

This contest begins a critical stretch for both programs. Following this game, Omaha hosts North Dakota and North Dakota State next week, while UMKC faces the same tough North Dakota-based duo at home.

Saturday’s matchup marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Jan. 24 in Kansas City. Omaha will aim to protect its home court and start league play on a positive note, while UMKC searches for a road victory to steady its season.