GOODWELL, Okla. - The Newman women's basketball team survived an endurance test early, before running away in the second half, defeating OPSU 107-84 on Thursday in Goodwell, Okla. Tasha Cannon led the Jets' offense with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Facing a team unlike anyone it had seen this season, Newman opened the first half trading baskets against a high-powered Oklahoma Panhandle State offense. The Aggies opened up a six-point lead at the 17:32 mark after a Camille Washington three-pointer. The Jets cut the deficit to 14-12 on a Sumayah Muhammad lay-up with 16:11 left in the period. Newman tied the game at 20-20, after an Ellen Traylor lay-up, and a Satoria Bell lay-up with 9:50 remaining signified a momentum shift, putting the Jets up 26-22. For every Jet basket, the Aggies had an answer, but Newman ended the half on an 11-3 run over the final 3:03 of the period, giving the Jets a 50-39 halftime lead.

Both teams traded baskets to open up the second half, but within the first three minutes of the period, Tasha Cannon and Satoria Bell took over. The duo scored 18 of the Jets' first 20 points of the half, extending their lead to 70-56 with 13:19 remaining. A pair of Alina Voronenko free-throws at the 10:03 mark gave the Jets a 78-60 edge, marking the closest OPSU would cut the lead. A jumper by Sumayyah Muhammad at the 5:30 mark gave Newman its biggest lead of the game, 93-69, and the Jets went on to the 107-84 victory.

Cannon was joined in double-figures by Satoria Bell, Celeste Key, and Ariella McGhee. Both Bell and Key notched double-doubles. Bell recorded 22-points and 10 rebounds. Key contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds. McGhee chipped in with 11 points.

As a team, the Jets shot 56.9 percent (41-72) from the field, and shot 75.8 percent (25-33) from the charity stripe. Newman out-rebounded the Aggies 56-36. 

Newman returns to the hardwood on Feb. 2 when they travel to Fort Smith, Ark. to take on the Lions. Tip-time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.