Summary of the Game
Denver emerged with a solid 87-74 victory over Kansas City on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in a Summit League clash. The Pioneers built a comfortable lead and withstood a late push from the Roos to secure the win in front of their home crowd. The victory improves Denver to 8-8 overall and 1-0 in league play, signaling the start of a competitive conference slate.
Key Players and Scoring
Carson Johnson led the way for Denver, pouring in 23 points on 7-for-16 shooting, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, and converting all seven of his free throws. Johnson’s scoring presence was complemented by a balanced team effort as Denver leveraged both its outside shooting and interior scoring to keep Kansas City at bay.
Zane Nelson added 17 points for the Pioneers, providing a reliable scoring option in the midrange and at the rim. The duo combined to pace a Denver attack that showed versatility throughout the game, mixing drive-and-dish plays with timely three-point looks.
Team Defense and Momentum
Defensively, Denver clamped down when it mattered most, turning stops into reliable scoring opportunities. The Pioneers frustrated Kansas City with active hands, contesting perimeter shots, and disciplined help defense. Those stops fueled a string of fast-break chances that extended Denver’s lead in the middle quarters.
Kansas City fought back in stretches, trimming the gap with a handful of second-chance points and aggressive drives to the basket. However, Denver’s resilience and the ability to convert at the free-throw line helped the home team maintain steady control late in the game.
Strategic Wins for the Pioneers
Denver head coach utilized a strategic mix of man-to-man and zone looks to disrupt Kansas City’s rhythm. The approach paid dividends as the Pioneers forced several key turnovers and limited the Roos’ second-chance opportunities. By controlling the tempo and maintaining discipline on offense, Denver was able to sustain its lead and close out the game strong.
From beyond the arc, Denver found enough success to keep Kansas City honest, while the interior scoring presence helped buffer any mid-game lulls. The combination of efficient free-throw shooting and consistent scoring from its top players provided the foundation for the win.
What This Win Means Moving Forward
Starting conference play with a win sets a positive tone for Denver as they navigate a challenging Summit League schedule. The 87-74 victory demonstrates not only the team’s scoring depth but also its potential to compete for a high finish in the standings.
For Kansas City, the loss is a reminder of the level of competition in the league. The Roos showed flashes of potential but will look to tighten defense and exploit fast-break opportunities in upcoming games.
Next Steps
Denver returns to the floor soon to continue its Summit League campaign, aiming to build on the early momentum from this win. Kansas City will regroup and prepare for the next test in what promises to be a tightly contested conference schedule.
