Preview: Missouri-Kansas City at Missouri COLUMBIA, Mo. (Interstat) — The Missouri Tigers, riding a strong start to the season, will host the struggling Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup Sunday at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers (11-3) enter the contest having won five of their last six games, including an 84-57 victory over North Alabama on Dec. 21. Missouri’s offense is powered by sophomore guard Grace Slaughter, who is averaging 21.4 points per game over her last five contests. She scored 25 points in 26 minutes against North Alabama and had a 33-point, 9-rebound performance against Northwestern on Nov. 29. Missouri’s defense has held opponents to 65 points or fewer in eight of its 11 wins. The Kangaroos (3-9) snapped a six-game losing streak with a 109-59 rout of Haskell on Dec. 20 but face a steep challenge against their in-state foe. UMKC has struggled against Division I competition, with its only other wins coming against William Jewell and Hesston. A bright spot for the Kangaroos has been the play of guard Elauni Bennett, who is averaging 16.1 points per game. She scored a season-high 27 points in the win over Haskell and has reached double figures in scoring in seven consecutive games. Missouri holds a significant advantage in experience and record. The Tigers’ losses have come against ranked Kansas, Troy and Illinois. UMKC’s defeats include double-digit losses to Arkansas, Northern Colorado and Oklahoma. This game serves as a final nonconference tune-up for both teams before league play begins in January. Missouri opens Southeastern Conference action at home against Texas on Jan. 1. UMKC begins Summit League play at home against Omaha on Dec. 31. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST Sunday at Mizzou Arena.