WICHITA - The Newman men's basketball team looks for its second-straight win Monday night when they play host to the Bethel Threshers. Tip-time for the contest is slated for 7 p.m. inside Newman's Fugate Gymnasium.
About the Jets...
Newman is 3-4 after the first seven games of the season, and have taken on some of the toughest compeition the South Central region has to offer, including the likes of Lone Star Conference foes Southwestern Oklahoma State (W, 91-78), West Texas A&M (L, 83-68), Angelo State (W, 77-69), and No. 11 Tarleton State (L, 83-54), and MIAA rivals Pittsburg State (L, 95-68) and Fort Hays State (L, 84-71).
The Jets are led by
Keaton Schultz, a senior guard from Neodesha, Kan., who is averaging 14.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Will Burdette, a senior transfer forward from the Northeastern Mississippi Junior College, scores 13.4 points and grabs a team-high 4.9 rebounds per game, while
Eric Saunders, who has stepped into the point guard position after the injury to
Bobby Wesley in the opening game, can be counted on for 10.7 points and five assists per game.
As a team, the Jets have shot a .406 collective field goal percentage
Scouting Bethel...
The Threshers bring an 0-7 record into Monday's contest after a 70-55 loss at Haskell Indian Nations University Tuesday in Lawrence. Bethel has had its share of close calls, dropping an 89-82 decision to York on Nov. 12, and a 71-66 contest at Concordia University. .
Alonzo Haywood has emerged as Bethel's leading scorer this season. The 6-2 junior college transfer guard is averaging 12.4-points and 4.29 rebounds per game this season. Jason O'Brien, a 6-1 junior guard, and Chip Schneider, a 6-6 sophomore forward each average 10 points per game or better for the Threshers. Schneider is also Bethel's leading rebounder, grabbing 4.6 boards per game.
Last Time These Two Met...
Chip Steven drained four three's on his way to a game-high 16 points, while
Keaton Schultz added 12 points of his own as Newman cruised to a 77-50 win over the Threshers on Nov. 18, 2009 inside Fugate Gymnasium. After leading by just seven (29-22) at halftime, the Jets exploded for 48 second-half points in the win. Newman shot .508 (30-59) from the field in the game.
The Series....
Newman leads the all-time series with the Threshers 21-8. Bethel's last win came on Nov. 21, 2003 when the Threshers picked up an 82-80 win in a game played at Friends University. The Jets have won each of the last four meetings. .
