Box Score Box Score

Goodwell, Okla. - The Newman women's basketball team (6-10, 1-3 Heartland Conference) claimed a 70-67 overtime victory against the Aggies of Oklahoma Panhandle State University this Thursday, breaking the Jets' three-game dry spell.  Kianna Flannagan led all scorers with 17 points.

A three-pointer from Kianna Flannagan at the 18:14 mark got things rolling for the Jets early in the first half.  Newman tried to gain an early advantage, but OPSU tied the game up with a free throw at the 14:03 mark.  The Aggies took their first lead of the night following a three point basket with 11:56 remaining in the first half.  A layup from Tyahnna Higgs tied the score at 15-15 midway through the half, but OPSU went on a nine-point run to make the score 24-15 Aggies at the 3:35 mark.  The Jets continued to struggle to find their footing and headed into the locker room trailing OPSU 28-19.

A quick jumper from Tyahnna Higgs at the 19:51 mark gave the Jets a jump start to the second half, but OPSU continued to dominate.  The Aggies took their largest 14-point advantage with 8:38 remaining in the game.  However, Newman wasn't done yet.  The Jets continued to battle back, and a perfect effort by Cheniqwa Banks from behind the line got Newman within five at the 4:32 mark.  The teams continued to trade baskets, but it was a buzzer beater from freshman Alexandra Ciabattoni that made the score 55-55 at the end of regulation play, forcing an overtime.

Sheba Goode gave the Jets an immediate 57-55 advantage after a lay-up at the 4:46 mark in overtime.  OPSU quickly answered and led until a two-for-two effort from Alexandra Ciabattoni tied things up at 63-63 with 1:31 remaining.  After a jumper from Sheba Goode, Newman never gave up the lead, and it was an OPSU free throw that would end the overtime period and give the Jets the 70-67 victory. 

Kianna Flannagan led all scorers with 17 points.  Alexandra Ciabattoni hit her double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.  Cheniqwa Banks and Sheba Goode also hit double digits with a respective 12 and 10 points for the night.  Flannagan and Goode also added four assists apiece.

As a team, Newman shot 34.4 percent (21-61) from the field and 34.8 percent (8-23) from beind the arc.  The Jets outrebounded the Aggies 43-31.

The Jets return to action on the road this Saturday as they take on the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.