Evan Gilyard II goes for 30 as Kansas City Roos hold back North Dakota at Swinney

Evan Gilyard II poured in a game-high 30 points as the Kansas City Roos held off North Dakota 79-74 at Swinney Center on Saturday night.

The victory was the Roos’ second straight in Summit League action, as Kansas City improved to 10-8 overall and 4-3 in conference. Kansas City beat North Dakota State 80-77 on Thursday at Swinney Center.

Saturday’s game was close throughout, but the Roos had the lead for almost the entire game. And it was Gilyard paving the way. Gilyard made 9 of 20 shots from the field, including 3 of 8 on three-pointers, on way to his 30 points. He also had four assists.

Ethan Igbanugo led North Dakota with 18 points. The Fighting Hawks have yet to win a conference game this season and sit at 0-7 in the Summit, 4-16 overall.

The Roos are set to be back at it on Monday at the Swinney Center as they play host to Spurgeon.

KC Roos women fall at North Dakota: The Kansas City Roos women’s team played at North Dakota (Grand Forks) on Saturday afternoon. The Roos had a rally going but ultimately lost, 78-68. Kiara Bradley finished with 17 points for Kansas City. Bradley made 5 of 8 three-pointers.

Kansas City dropped to 13-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play, while North Dakota improved to 12-8, 6-3.