Box Score WICHITA – The Newman men's basketball team pulled out to a 34-19 halftime advantage and was never challenged in the second half, winning 74-60 against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Thursday (Feb. 14) at Fugate Gymnasium. Newman remains tied atop the Heartland Conference with Arkansas-Fort Smith as both teams won tonight and have 8-3 Heartland Conference records. The Jets upped their record to 18-4 (8-3 Heartland Conference), while the Aggies dropped to 5-19 (1-10).
 
The Jets started the game scoring the first 11 points and led 11-0 at the 14:30 mark on an Elhad Emerllahu layup. The Aggies cut the lead down to seven at 13-6 with 13 minutes left in the half, but NU went on a run capped off by a Marquis Cuyler steal and dunk for a 24-7 Jet advantage with 8:19 left in the first half. NU led 34-19 after the first stanza.
 
Newman's defense was strong in the first half, holding OPSU to only four baskets and 23.5 percent shooting from the field (4-17).
 
Early in the second half, the Jets continued to roll, pulling out to a 21-point lead, 53-32, on a Connor Walker 3-pointer at the 13:30 mark. The 21-point margin was the Jets' largest lead of the game. The Jets cruised from there with the lead never falling below double digits.
 
Marquis Cuyler scored a game-high 20 points, including 14 in the second half. Darrell Traylor added 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Ten Jets scored in the win. NU finished 27-of-65 (41.5 percent) from the field.
 
OPSU was led by 14 points from Damar Hill and 12 points from Krys Randolph. For the game, the Aggies shot 40.4 percent (19-47) from the field.
 
The Jets continue their three-game homestand with a 4 p.m. game against Texas-Permian Basin at Fugate Gymnasium.