WICHITA- Wichita State's size and athleticism proved to be too much as the Shockers handled the Newman men's basketball team 102-53, at Charles Koch Arena on Monday. Eric Saunders scored 14 points to lead the Jets in the loss.

Newman faced its toughest opponent of the season in Monday's contest. Facing a hostile crowd, the Jets went toe-for-toe with the heavily favored Shockers. Trading blows early on, Newman trailed by just three points, 18-15, after a pair of Bobby Wesley free throws at the 11:14 mark. The game stood at 23-19 in favor of WSU at the 9:13 mark following a Shamar Acuay jumper. Monday's game was the first action of the year for Acuay, an athletic guard who transferred to the Jets from Colby Community College. The Shockers began to pull away after that, with the help of their full-court press, using a 30-10 run to end the half with a 53-29 lead. Newman shot 34.5 percent (10-29) from the field, while shooting 30 percent (3-10) from beyond-the-arc. Eric Saunders led the Jets with eight first-half points.

Chuck Coley came out firing in the second half, scoring Newman's first seven points of the period. Wichita State's size and athleticism ended up being to much for the Jets to handle, as they continued to run-and-gun, up and down the court. A 20-5 Shocker run that spanned five minutes put away any hopes of a Newman comeback, and WSU cruised to the 102-53 win. The Jets return to the hardwood after Christmas break, when they travel to Talequah, Okla. to take on Northeastern State. Tip-time is slated for 7 p.m.

-Eric Saunders led Newman offensively with 14 points. Chuck Coley pitched in nine points, seven of which came in the second half.

-As a team, Newman shot 28.1 percent (18-64) from the field, and only 19 percent (4-21) from three-point land.

-The Jets made the most of their chances at the charity stripe, converting 81.3 percent (13-16) of their free-throws.

-Wichita State out-rebounded the Jets 43-32. Chuck Coley and Mason Felter tied for the team lead with four rebounds a piece.

Coach Mark Potter on Tonight's game:

"Wichita State is a very good team. We played very well until about five minutes to go, when they their press on us. We couldn't respond and turn the corner we needed too."

What Newman Can Take Away From Tonight's Game:

"There is no need to hang our heads. This was a phenominal experience for our group of guys. Wichita State has some stellar athletes. It was hard to prepare for their length and athleticism. I feel like our team has a chance to be pretty good at the Division II level."

What Impressed You the Most About Wichita State?

"Wichita State has incredible size. They were very physical, even when we were in position for rebounds, it was hard to move Hall and Stutz. Wichita State's perimeter play was very impressive."