Box Score WICHITA – It was the beginning of the 2022-23 Men's Basketball season as Newman traveled the 5.5 miles across town to take on crosstown rival Wichita State Wednesday night for their first exhibition of the season.
The Shockers and Jets traded blows early before Khaleem Bennett did his best Michael Jordan impression with a dunk that quieted all those in attendance except for the fans wearing the Newman Red.
The Jets went into the first media timeout with an 8-7 lead before Wichita State grabbed the upper hand after their first wave sub of the half as Newman got into foul trouble early.
The Shockers got out to a 30-13 before a second chance 3 point jump shot by Chuka Mekkam gave NU life as the Jets fought to get it back under 10 before the half. A step back jumper by Sam Somerhalder and a 3 point field goal by Ian Lee brought the game within 8 with a little over 2 minutes to play.
After Wichita State got the lead back to 9 Chuka Mekkam was fouled and made both free throws to give the Jets 32 points going into the half down 8.
4 Jets finished the first half with 5 points.
Wichita State started the 2nd half on an 8-0 run getting out to a 18 point lead off early Newman turnovers.
Latik Murphy scored 9 of Newman's first 12 points after the half. The pressure from WSU's defense in the 2nd half kept Newman to only 20 points in the 2nd half.
Murphy finished the game as the leading scorer for the Jets with 14 points, shooting 5-13 from the field.
Newman will have another tough matchup as they head into Saturday in Springfield, Missouri to face Missouri State at 7 PM.
