WICHITA, Kan. - Newman hosted the Emporia State Hornets Wednesday night in Fugate Gymnasium.  Behind at halftime, the Jets looked to make a comeback, but the Hornets slipped away in the latter par of the second half to take the game 75-62.

Newman falls to 3-5 (0-3 MIAA) while Emporia State advances to 7-2 (2-1 MIAA).  Critical possessions ended up separating the two teams at the final horn in a momentum laden game.

Emporia State was loaded with scoring having all 5 starters in double figure scoring.  The starters accounted for 71 of the 75 points scored on Wednesday.

The Hornets jumped out to a quick 8-0 run and kept the Jets at that distance for the majority of the half.  Down 10 in the finals minutes of the opening half, Coach R.J. Allen called a quick timeout to collect his team before the break.  The play out of the timeout was a beauty.  Ian Lee possessed the ball out top of the key nearing the wing when Damani Thomas cut to the hoop for a wide open lay-in, bring the Hornet lead to 8 points.  After stingy defense, the Lee to Thomas connection was synced up again as Lee laced another pass to Thomas to just beat the buzzer making it a 2 possession game at the half.

In the second half, the Jets brought it to one possession when an AJ Morris jumper made the score 36-34 ESU.  The Hornets began to pull away just after that stretching their lead to as many as 17.

Despite having two early fouls go against him, Israel Barnes exploded for 23 points and 7 rebounds in just 26 minutes.  Barnes' 23 points, a new career high for the local product.  His offensive counterpart, Stevie Strong put up a much needed 13 points as part of 21 points off the bench.  Ian Lee scored 8 points 2 assists and 2 steals off the bench as well.

The Jets return to action Saturday afternoon when Washburn comes to Wichita.  Tip-off is slated for 3:30 PM and Youth Sports Saturday presented by Dr. Brennen Lucas of AOA will be in Fugate Gymnasium.