WICHITA - Men's basketball played another close game against NSIC competition on Sunday, hosting the Minot State Beavers in the Jets second game in the MIAA/NSIC Conference Challenge. 

Both teams had won their games the previous day, with the Jets edging out a win thanks to some late heroics from Stevie Strong. 

The game was close from the first time, with both teams playing well on the offensive side of the ball. The Jets took their biggest lead in the first half with several points in the paint from Latik Murphy and Sam Somerhalder. 

Murphy would be the one with the hot hand this game, scoring 16 points. His shooting would help the Jets keep pace with the Beavers, as Minot State took a 39-36 advantage into the half. 

The Beavers would carry their momentum over into the second half, as the Jets lost some of theirs. Minot State would nearly get to a double digit lead at several points in the early stages of the half, but the Jets continued to fight. 

Sam Somerhalder tied a career high in points this afternoon, having 15 in his effort against the Beavers. His points in the second half would give the Jets some of the momentum they needed to stay in the game. 

The Jets however would get caught up in foul trouble, and it is where they let the game slip away. The Beavers would score 16 of their 22 free throws, while Newman would only score a third of their attempts from the line. 

Somerhalder would foul out despite his career day, By that point in the game, it was too late as Minot State would go up by double digits with just a few minutes remaining in the game. 

The Jets lost a close game that was only decided late into the proceedings, as Newman would finish 1-1 in the competition. 

Strong and Murphy led the the way with points, having 16 each. Somerhalder finished his day with 15 points and 7 rebounds despite fouling out late. Chase Wiebe led with Strong in assists with 5. 

The Jets will be back at home for a third straight home game to open the season, taking on Kansas Christian on Thursday at 7 pm. They will then head to their only road non conference game against William Jewell.