Box Score WICHITA – The Newman men's basketball team held on for a 76-74 win over Lubbock Christian on Thursday (Jan. 23) at Fugate Gymnasium. The Jets improved to 6-11 and 3-6 in the Heartland Conference while LCU dropped to 8-6 and 3-5 in the Heartland.
 
With the score tied at 68-68 with 3:23 remaining after a Marquis Cuyler layup, LCU gained a two-point advantage at the 2:06 mark with a tip-in basketball by Eli Baker to go up 70-68.
 
It didn't take long for the Jets to respond as Cuyler hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to put NU in front, 71-70 with 1:46 left.
 
With 1:29 remaining, the Chaparrals regained the lead with a jumper by Beau Durham for a 72-71 score.
 
After empty possession from both teams, Cuyler gave NU the lead once again. He hit two free throws with 21 seconds left for a 73-72 Jet advantage.
 
The Jet defense held as the Chaparrals missed a jump shot, and Landers Riddle grabbed the rebounds with 15 seconds remaining. LCU fouled Riddle with 12 seconds left, and the junior guard made both free throws to put NU up 75-72.
 
Perryonte Smith was called for a foul with 7 seconds left, putting LCU at the free throw line. The Chaparrals' AJ Luckey made both for a 75-74 score.
 
LCU fouled Cuyler with 6 seconds on the clock, and the senior forward split the pair of free throws for a 76-74 NU advantage. LCU called timeout with 5 seconds remaining, but the Chaparrals' final shot with 1 second remaining missed, and NU held on for the 76-74 win.
 
Cuyler led NU with 18 points. Jeremy Espinoza added 16 points, a team-high seven rebounds and a game-high six assists. Trae Beck (11) and Smith (10) also hit double figures. NU totaled a season-low three turnovers in the game and forced LCU into 19 turnovers. The Jets shot 44.3 percent (27-61) from the field and 38.9 percent (7-18) from 3.  
 
LCU's Eli Baker and Tyler Rogers each tallied double-doubles. Baker scored a game-high 20 points and added 10 rebounds. Rogers went for 15 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. The Chaparrals shot 54.9 percent (28-51) from the field, including 63.6 percent (14-22) in the first half. LCU shot 63.6 (7-11) from 3-point range.  
 
The Jets take on Texas-Permian Basin on Saturday (Jan. 25) at 3 p.m. inside Fugate Gymnasium.