Box Score WICHITA, Kan. -- The Newman women's basketball team fell to the University of Texas Permian Basin, 69-54, on Saturday (February 16) inside Fugate Gymnasium.  The Jets struggled to come back from a 14 point deficit in the first half, and the Falcons charged ahead for the win. With the win, University of Texas Permian remains on top of the Heartland Conference with a 17-5 record (10-1 Heartland Conference), while Newman dropped to 9-14 and 4-6 in conference.

The Falcons got things rolling with two lay-ups in the opening minutes, but a jumper from Kianna Flannagan at the 16:41 mark got the Jets within one.  University of Texas Permian Basin continued to push ahead and took their largest 17 point lead of the half after a 3-pointer from Giselle Loya. A  Cheniqwa Banks 3 ended the half, making the score 38-24 Falcons headed into the locker rooms.

The Jets came out with a stronger second half, but it wasn't enough to take control of the game.  A free throw from Naderra Carey at the 14:35 mark to give the Falcons a 49-30 advantage, their largest of the game.  The game ended with a two-for-two effort from Falcon Jocelyn Cook, making the final score 69-54 University of Texas Permian Basin.

Kianna Flannagan led the Jets with 14 points.  Alexandra Ciabattoni and Bobbi Coleman joined her in the double digits with 10 points apiece.  Cheniqwa Banks was a perfect 2-2 from behind the arc and added two steals for the game.

As a team, Newman shot 44.4 percent (20-45) from the field and 55.6 percent (5-9) from downtown.  University of Texas Permian Basin outrebounded the Jets 30-26.

Newman returns to action next Saturday as they host Arkansas-Fort Smith at Potter Family Court.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.