KEARNEY, Ne. - Men's basketball took on the University of Nebraska Kearney Lopers on Friday night in their second to last game before the Christmas break. After 40 minutes of tight back and forth basketball, Newman took the win in the final minutes 74-71.
The Jets jumped out ahead early and held onto the lead for 13 minutes in the first half before the first lead change of the game. Led by Stevie Smith and Khaleem Bennet, who each had nine points in the first half, Newman went blow for blow with UNK and would go into halftime tied 39-39.
Stevie Strong and Sam Somerhalder again split point guard duties, with both finding success initiating the Jets offense and spreading the wealth, as despite no Jets reaching double digits in the first half, all but four would score points for Newman.
The Jets kept their foot on the gas to start the second half, going up 51-45 by the first media timeout as Bennet and Somerhalder each shot into double digit scoring. Coming out of a second timeout shortly after, UNK mounted a comeback to bring Newman's lead down to one with just ten minutes to go, continuing to make the game interesting.
Both teams continued to go back and forth as the game went down to the wire. UNK attempted to tie it up at the free throw line with three seconds left, but after a missed second shot and a quick foul on the rebound, Stevie Smith iced the game with a pair of free throws.
Due to a death in the family, Head Coach RJ Allen had to be absent from the team during the game. Assistant Coach Kyle McLeroy took over head coaching duties, and after the game had this to say: "This was hands down one of my favorite wins I have ever been a part of. It hasn't been the easiest few days for our team. We facetimed Coach Allen from the locker room after the game and I'll never forget that moment."
Coach McLeroy also added "We were super balanced scoring which is what every coach hopes for. We started the game getting everyone involved and that continued throughout. We scored and got stops whenever we really needed them. Whenever Kearney went on a run, we answered. We did not play perfect, but we trusted each other and finished the game."
Five Jets reached double digit scoring this game, being led by Khaleem Bennet with 16 points and six rebounds.
The duo of Sam Somerhalder and Stevie Strong each put up 12 points with three assists.
Stevie Smith, who's been making teams take notice since his return, put up 13 points with nine rebounds and three assist.
Thomas Zevgaras stepped up in the second half, scoring 11 after a relatively quiet first half with three points. He put up 14 points with six rebounds and one assist and a steal by the end of the game.
The Jets next matchup will be against Fort Hays State on Sunday, December 18th at 4 PM before heading into Christmas Break.
