WICHITA, Kan. — The Newman women's basketball team was able to come away with its first conference win with a 45-43 victory over St. Edward's. The Jets were able to play physical throughout not letting up offensively or defensively leading to its victory Thursday.
KEY SEQUENCE
The Jets (7-4, 1-0 Heartland) were looking at a tied game with 48 seconds remaining when they were able to get two free throws from Bria DeGrate, putting the Jets up 44-42 against the Hilltoppers (4-5, 0-1 Heartland). The Jets would get one more defensive stop causing the Hilltoppers to foul and the Jets would go to the free throw line hitting one of two and get the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
-The first quarter began slowly for both teams, but the Jets were able to pick up their offense toward the middle of the first half. With 1:46 left in the quarter, the Jets were able to really run on offense, and with baskets coming from Hannah Alexander, Haley Albers and Abbey George the Jets were able to finish the first up 11-3.
-The second quarter began with the Jets adding to its lead, with the help of some free throws along with the defense causing turnovers, the Jets jumped out to an 18-9 lead with 4:27 remaining. The Hilltoppers did not stop their pursuit either. They were able to get points at the free throw line along with stops defensively and at halftime, the Jets were holding on to a three-point lead.
-The third quarter began with the Hilltoppers getting started offensively, and with 4:52 left in the quarter the Jets were down 29-28. The teams would go back and forth no one team gaining an edge until the end of the quarter with offense coming from Dede Johnson, Bria DeGrate and Alexander ending the quarter up by seven.
-In the fourth, the Jets clung to their lead, and would continue to play physical defense not giving anything to the Hilltoppers. With 0:48 left in the fourth the teams would tie and after a Hilltopper missed free throw from Erica Olerich the Jets were up 44-43 with seven seconds remaining. The Jets would make a clutch free throw at the end of the game to solidify the win.
NOTES
-The Jets beating St. Edward's is the second straight year they've beaten the defending Heartland champ at home.
-The Jets defense was able to come away with five steals in its win Thursday.
-Rebounding was big for the Jets as they won the second-chance point battle 7-2.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Jet will be back in action Saturday as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on Oklahoma Christian at 1 p.m.