WICHITA, Kan. — A big second half and defense helped propel the Newman women's basketball team to a win Saturday afternoon with a 79-68 victory over Saint Mary (Kan.) to give the team a win to close out 2017.

KEY SEQUENCE

The Jets (10-5) would finish up the first half leading by 11 and would come out in the second half firing on offense and defense. The Spires (7-7) wouldn't go away so easily, as the guests were able to cut the lead down to five with less than a minute left in the third, but with great defense being able to force turnovers, the Jet would complete the victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

-In the first, the Jets were off to a slow start and the Spires took advantage offensively.  With the quarter coming to an end the Jets took a six-point lead after Nia Roberts was able to hit two free throws.

-In the second, the Jets would catch fire, and with 4:27 left they had an 11-point lead looking to go into halftime with a large lead and keep the momentum going. Bria DeGrate, Abbey George, and Jazzmen Ortiz were all able to contribute to the Jets' lead going into halftime.

-The beginning of the second half, both teams came out physical defensively, both forcing turnovers, but the Jets were able to continue their success from the first half, not giving up the lead in the second and continuing to add to it as the quarter came to a close.

-The fourth quarter is where the Jets were able to put it away and, with the help of Degrate and Ortiz, the team was clicking offensively. With 1:24 left, the Jets were up by 13 and looking to close the game on a high note, and the Jets would close the game with a free throw to secure the victory.

NOTES

-The Jets finished the game shooting 48.0 percent (24-of-50) from the field.

-Hannah Alexander and DeGrate both had a big game offensively in Saturday's victory, as Alexander had 16 points and four rebounds. DeGrate had 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

WHAT'S NEXT

-The Jets will be back in action Thursday, when they will take on Rogers State back at Fugate Gymnasium to resume Heartland Conference play.