WICHITA, Kan. – On Saturday Evening, the Newman Jets hosted the #21 Missouri Southern State Lions hoping to start the season 1-0 inside Fugate Gymnasium. A last second shot by
David Javorsky couldn't fall and the comeback for the Jets was denied as #21 Missouri Southern would defeat the Jets 82-79.
In the first half, Newman would start the scoring with a three point basket by
Ian Lee to give the Jets the early advantage. The Jets would lead 5-4 with 16:57 after a
DeAndre Johnson jumper. From that moment on #21 Missouri Southern (2-0, 2-0) would take control of the game and extend their lead to 17 points with 2:52 left in the first half, 38-21. The Jets would score five straight points before the Lions would end the first half on a 5-1 run to lead by 16 at the end of the first half, 43-27.
Early in the second half, Newman would trail by as many as 21 points but
David Javorsky would spark a 9-0 run.
Branden Bunn, and
Ian Lee would add a three a piece to cut the deficit to 12 points with 17:44 left, 38-26. The Lions would increase their lead back up to 16 with 16:10 left, 52-36. The Jets would be able to cut the deficit to 11 after a three point basket by
David Javorsky, 58-47. With 13:10 left, the Jets cut the deficit to 10 points after and and 1 drive by
Joel Boyce to make the score 60-50. The Lions would extend their lead back up to 16 points with 10:12 left, 67-51. The Jets would finally get the deficit to single digits with 6:21 left after a
J'Sebian Brown made a three point basket made the score 74-65.
With 4:06 left, the Jets would go on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to two points with 48 seconds left. A foul by
DeAndre Johnson gave the Lions a chance to ice the game with two free throws. The Lions would miss the first free throw and miss the second to give the Jets a chance to tie the game up. On the final possession of the game the Jets would inbound the ball to
David Javorsky at the top of the key, but his shot would rim out as #21 Missouri Southern State would survive the comeback and defeat the Jets 82-79. The Jets in the second half would outscore the Lions 52-39.
Newman (0-1, 0-1) shot 28-of-65 from the floor for 43.1 percent, 14-of-33 from three for 42.4 percent and 9-16 from the free throw line for 56.3 percent. While Missouri Southern shot 32-of-66 for 48.5 percent, and 11-of-26 from 3 for 42.3 percent. The Jets were out-rebounded by the Lions by 9, 43-34.
Branden Bunn led Newman in scoring with 23 points and 3 rebounds in his debut.
Joel Boyce added 13 points and 7 rebounds in his Newman debut as well for the Jets in the loss.
Newman (0-1,0-1) will be back in action as they host Pittsburg State on Tuesday, Nov. 24 with tip-off at 7:30 PM.
