Wichita, Kan. - The Newman Jets returned home to take on the #1 ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Thursday night.  The Bearcats gained a big lead in the first half and never looked back as they would go on to defeat Newman 98-69. 

In the first half, Newman would score first on a Kaleb Allison layup.  After that, Northwest Missouri State (19-1, 9-1) would take control of the game thanks to their three point shooting as they would shoot 13-16 (81.25%) from three in the first half.  Newman was able to keep the game close for most of the first half but Northwest Missouri State was one step ahead of the Jets as they would take a 59-32 lead going into halftime.

In the second half, Newman would play a lot better than the first half as they were only outscored by two in the final period.  Despite trailing for most of the game, Newman had one of its best shooting games all season.

Newman (8-13, 2-10) shot 25-of-43 from the floor for 58.1 percent, 6-of-14 from three for 42.9 percent and 13-of-19 from the free throw line for 68.4 percent. While NWMSU shot 33-of-51 for 64.7 percent, and 17-of-26 from 3 for 65.4 percent. The Jets were out-rebounded by the Bearcats by 7, 24-17, with Newman pulling in 2 on the offensive end.

Newman was led in scoring by Juwan Davenport with 17 points and 3 rebounds. Marshawn Blackmon added 16 points in the Jets loss.

Newman will return to action Saturday February 1^st as they host Missouri Western for another MIAA conference matchup with tip-off set for 3:30 P.M.