Joplin, Mo. – The Newman Jets traveled to Joplin, Mo.  looking to snap a two game losing streak as they took on Missouri Southern State.  The Jets trailed by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter and were able to get the lead down to one, but their comeback came up just short as they lost 72-68.

In the first quarter, the Jets would start the game strong with an 8-2 run before MSSU would tie up the game with a 6-0 run with four minutes left. Newman would finish the quarter on a 7-3 run to take a 15-11 lead after the first quarter.  In the second quarter, the Jets would keep the momentum as they would get their largest lead of the quarter, 7 points, on multiple occasions.  Despite Newman shooting the long ball well in the quarter, they would make five 3 point baskets, problems ensued for the Jets as Missouri Southern State would end the half on a 16-6 run in the final five minutes to take a 37-34 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, the Jets struggled to make a basket until 7:47 left in the quarter with a Faith Mason-Vestal layup.  Missouri Southern State (4-10, 1-5) continued to put the pressure on the Jets and got their largest lead of the game, 13 points with 1:45 left in the third quarter.  Newman would cut the deficit to single digits going into the fourth quarter 53-45.  With 5:27 remaining in the final period, the Jets would go on an 18-4 run sparked by Amoni White who had 8 points and Kaitlyn Potter who had 5 during the comeback. The big run by the Jets cut the deficit to one with 34 seconds remaining. With the score 69-68, Missouri Southern State would score the final 4 points of the game to secure the 72-68 win over the Newman.

Newman (7-9, 2-5) shot 24-of-56 for 42.9 percent from the floor, 10-of-25 for 40 percent from three and 10-of-14 for 71.4 percent from the free throw line.  Newman held Missouri Southern State to 28-of-62 for 45.2 percent from the field and 1-of-18 for 5.6 percent from three. Newman was out-rebounded by the Lions by 12, 40-28, with 10 coming from the offensive end compared to Newman's 5.

Kaitlyn Potter led the Jets in scoring for the fifth game in a row with 22 points on 50 percent shooting.  Brooke Haney added 12 points in the Jets loss.

Newman will be at home for a conference matchup against Rogers State Wednesday, Jan. 15^th with tip-off at 5:30 P.M.