Topeka, Kan. — Newman University women's basketball team picked up an 80-73 victory Friday afternoon (Nov. 23) against Maryville University in the first day of the Parrish Hotels Thanksgiving Classic. With the win the Jets improved to 4-2 on the season, as the Saints drop to 2-2 on the year.

Newman came out of the gates quickly starting on a 10-2 run. Senior guard, Bria DeGrate and sophomore forward, Abbey George set the offensive tone early for the Jets combining to score 17 of the Jets 26 first quarter points. Newman took a 26-19 lead into the second quarter.

The Saints clawed back to within 35-30 with 6:23 to play in the first half, after converting on an old fashion 3-point play. The Jets stormed right back on three consecutive 3-pointers from guard Kaitlyn Potter, extending the Newman lead back to double digits. The Jets continued to keep a double-digit lead heading into halftime up 48-36.

In the third quarter, the Jets continued to stay aggressive on the offensive end extending their lead out to fourteen with just under four minutes to play in the quarter. The Saints kept fighting back cutting the Jets lead back down to single digits, 64-56 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Jets continued to lead 72-64 midway through the fourth quarter. The Saints continued to cut the lead back down to five, however the Jets continued to make plays when they needed closing the game out sinking six of their final ten free throws.

The Jets finished with three players scoring in double-digits. DeGrate led the way for Newman, recording her second double-double of the season scoring 19 points, pulling down 10 boards. A. George recorded 17 points, while securing seven rebounds. Kailtyn Potter finished with nine points, going 3 of 5 from the 3-point line.

The Jets will turn the page quickly as they conclude the Parrish Hotels Thanksgiving Classic Saturday afternoon (Nov. 24) at 1:00 p.m. against Montevallo. The Falcons fell 67-59 Saturday evening (Nov. 23) to host school Washburn University.