EMPORIA, Kan. — The Newman men's basketball team lost 71-63 to Central Missouri Saturday night. The Jets were looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Emporia State Friday night. Ben Ayre and Dametrius Walker both had big games again for the Jets, as Ayre scored 17 with three assists and Walker added 11 with three assists as well.

KEY SEQUENCE

The Jets (2-4) were looking at a six-point deficit with 15 minutes remaining in the second half, but the Mules (6-1) weren't going away easy. With two minutes left in the game, the Jets got the lead down to nine but the Mules were able to hit some clutch free throws that would give them an advantage late in their victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

-Early in the first half, the Jets were holding on to a controlling lead but with about eleven minutes left in the half, the Mules were beginning to make a comeback. The Jets weren't going away just yet, the team continued to add to their lead with the help of Ayre, Walker, and Sands who all helped keep the team up offensively and defensively.

-With 2:36 left in the half, the Mules were looking at a 32-25 lead heading into halftime, the Jets were looking to pick up their defense before the half was over to get some stops and cut the deficit at the half. The Jets were able to get a last-second 3-pointer from Damien Akao to go into the half down by four.

-Early in the second half, the Jets were able to get the deficit down to one with the help from a 3-pointer from Ayre. After that 3, the teams would keep it close the lead would stay within five, until 14:42 when the Mules got a free throw from Clearance Smith giving the Mules a seven-point lead.

-Later in the half the Mules, with a 10-point lead, would begin to add on to that lead, keeping the Jets on their toes. Newman was not going to lay down, as the team was able to continue to play strong, getting the lead down to single digits. The Jets continued until 15 seconds left in the game, when Blake Spellman would hit a free throw giving the Mules a 10-point lead and the victory.

NOTES

-Ayre continues to have the hot hand in the past couple of games, leading the team in points per game with 14.3.

-Forward DeAndre Johnson had a career-high 13 rebounds in Saturday's game.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Jets will be back in action Tuesday when they will be taking on Washburn at home at 7:30 p.m.