WICHITA, Kan. — The Newman men's basketball team came away with its first conference win, beating St. Edward's 72-70. The Jets were looking to come into their own in the conference, coming back from 12 down to take down the Hilltoppers Thursday. 

KEY SEQUENCE

The Jets (3-5, 1-0 Heartland) were looking at an 11-point deficit against the Hilltoppers (6-2, 0-1 Heartland) with 12:08 remaining in the half. The Jets slowly climbed their way back, and with 1:38 left the Jets tied the game. Kevin Bryant was able to get a rebound late, causing the Hilltoppers to foul and allowing Bryant to go to the free throw line and hit them both, giving the Jets the conference win.

HOW IT HAPPENED

-In the first half, the Jets were off to a slow start, going down 10-2 with 16:17 remaining in the half. After some crucial stops on defense and players able to find their rhythm, the Jets found themselves back in the game, and at the half, the Jets were down two 39-37.

-The second half began slowly for the Jets again, and with 17:19 remaining the Jets were down 10. The Jets were able to slow the tempo of their offense and get some stops on offense, finding themselves once again back in the game with 9:20 still to go. With 3:54 remaining in the half the Jets found themselves down one.

-Bryant and Andre Sands had a big game for the Jets. Bryant tallied 19 points and eight rebounds, Sands was able to add a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Both players were key components in the Jets comeback and win Thursday.

NOTES

-The Jets were able to get five players in double figures (Sands, Bryant, DeAndre Johnson, Dametrius Walker and Ben Ayre).

-Rebounding was a big asset in the comeback the Jets winning that category 48-33 over the Hilltoppers.

-The Jets bench really helped out Thursday scoring 44 points, helping to keep the team in the game and providing a spark to give the Jets the win.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Jets travel to Oklahoma City to take on Oklahoma Christian Saturday.