WICHITA FALLS, Texas. – The Newman University women's basketball team used a fourth quarter rally, scrapping out a 55-48 victory over Texas Wesleyan University Saturday (Nov. 17) in the final day of the MSU Ashbrook Classic. The Jets improve to 3-1 on the season and conclude the MSU Ashbrook Classic going 2-0 over the weekend.
The Jets gained their only lead at 2-0 within the first minute of Saturday's contest against Texas Wesleyan, as the Jets' offense went cold quickly. Newman shot just 2 for 12 in the first quarter, however only trailed 11-8 after the first quarter. The Jets defense picked up the frigid offense holding the Rams to just 4 of 12 shooting through the first frame.
Faith Mason-Vestal seemed to get the Jets' offense rolling knocking down consecutive shots scoring four of her five second quarter points cutting the Rams lead to 19-16. Outside specialist Kaitlyn Potter evened the score up at 19-19 late in the first quarter. The Jets' offense had a much stronger quarter shooting 5 of 12, evening the score at 21-21 heading into the locker room.
The Jets' defensive intensity continued to become a nightmare for the Rams offense. The Rams shooting woes continued in the third quarter going 3 for 13 from the field. Meanwhile the Jets' offense continued to flow through Mason-Vestal. The forward scored six of the ten points in the third quarter. Despite the poor Rams shooting, the Jets found themselves trailing 32-31 heading into the fourth quarter.
Texas Wesleyan extended their lead to 36-31 with just under nine minutes remaining before sophomore guard Braxtyn Stewart sparked her second consecutive fourth quarter outburst scoring eight of the Jets ten points in a span of 2:45 putting the Jets back in-front 44-41 with 4:19 left. Senior guard Bria DeGrate scored the final four points securing the 55-48 win.
Faith Mason-Vestal led the Jets in scoring with 11 points and hauling down seven rebounds. Bria DeGrate reached double figures for the fourth consecutive time finishing with 10 points.
Both Mason-Vestal and DeGrate earned All-Tournament team honors.
The Jets will return home Tuesday evening (Nov. 20) as they host 12th ranked Fort Hays State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. from Fugate Gym.
