Go ‘Roos!

In college basketball, there’s nothing sweeter than a home-court advantage with a packed house of raucous, air-ball-jeering fans. Unfortunately for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos, Municipal Auditorium (301 West 13th Street) has provided as many pitfalls as slam dunks for the men’s squad in the early going. Despite promising road victories against respected Bradley and Wichita State squads, the ‘Roos have struggled at home with close losses to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Oakland. They look to reverse that trend tonight as they face off against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, a team that has struggled on the road, with the exception of a marquee upset at Iowa State. The upstart team features two of the Summit League’s best scorers, Garrett Callahan and Clint Sargent — undoubtedly a challenge for UMKC’s leading man, Dane Brumagin, and a supporting cast that includes rebound-snatcher Spencer Johnson and guard Reggie Hamilton. Tickets start at $5 for the 7:05 p.m. game. Call 816-235-5952.

Thu., Jan. 15, 7:05 p.m., 2009