WICHITA, Kan. – Newman hosted Rogers State Thursday night in Fugate Gymnasium.  The Jets were ready for a battle and they got that from the Hillcats.  The Hillcats defeated the Jets 85-72.

Newman's record sits at 3-10 (0-8 MIAA) with the loss.  Rogers State is now 10-5 (4-5 MIAA) after Thursday's decision.

The two teams played an evenly contested first half playing to a score of 32 to 28 with the advantage to Rogers State despite Newman leading for 9:10 of the first half.

In the second half, Rogers State came out with a torrid pace.  The Hillcats jumped on the Jets early and stretched their lead to a staggering 21 points at 55-34 at 12:29 in the second half.  The Jets fought their way back bring the game as close as 10 points with 1:01 remaining when Stevie Strong netted both of his free throws.  The Hillcats were able to outlast the Jets 85-72.

The Jets were led in scoring by Israel Barnes who scored 26 points.  26 is a season and career high for Israel Barnes at Newman.  That amount led all scorers for the contest.  The Hillcats had all 5 starters in double figure scoring with the free throws shot down the stretch.  The only other scorer in double figures along with Barnes was Stevie Strong who collected 18 points.

Up next for the Jets is a visit from Northeastern State on Saturday afternoon as they square off against the Riverhawks at 3:30 PM after the women's teams compete.