CLAREMORE, Okla. - Men's basketball had a quick turnaround after their 12 point victory last night where they were 3 points off from breaking 100 and took the court today to face Southwest Minnesota State.
 
The Jets couldn't find a rhythm in the first half and were ice cold for over 10 minutes in the first half which gave SMSU a chance to jump out early as a 18-0 Mustang run shifted yesterday's momentum that Newman looked to carry with them today over to SMSU which put them up 17 points at 22-5.
 
The Jets shot only 14% from the field for the first 12 minutes of the game and ended the half 5-23 from the field. 
 
Southwest Minnesota State shot 48.39% from the field in the first half and kept Newman to just 15 points. The Jets struggled to stop SMSU's Anthony Costello, who ended the game nearly perfect going 10-13 on the floor for 21 points.
 
The Mustangs didn't let go of the gas pedal in the second half as they quickly got out to another run to start the half and extended their lead to 27 three minutes into the half at 44-17.
 
Newman started to find rhythm late into the game as Ian Lee came off the bench to give the Jets 22 minutes and 9 points. Jacob Joe got his first points of the season as he went 2-5 from behind the arc.
 
The Jets outscored the Mustangs 41-40 in the 2nd half but the first half proved to be too costly for Newman, who trailed the rest of the game after the Mustangs took the lead down 5-4.
 
Stevie Strong led Newman with 11 points and 5 rebounds and Khaleem Bennett followed with 10. They were the lone Jets with double digit points on the day.
 
Newman (1-1) returns home from the Holiday Inn Express Regional Challenge and will face Sterling College (KS) in their home opener Wednesday night at 7 PM.