WICHITA- Men's Basketball defeated Northeastern State Thursday Night on Homecoming Night as
Latik Murphy dropped 25 points on 9-13 shooting to down the Riverhawks in front of a packed Fugate Gymnasium, 79-74.
The Jets rebounded after last game's performance over the Riverhawks where the Jets held the lead for most of the game but got cold late to let NSU sneak a victory over Newman in Tahlequah.
4 Jets finished with 12+ points as
Latik Murphy,
Stevie Strong,
Sam Somerhalder, and
Thomas Zevgaras reached the double digit scoring column in the 5 point win.
The Jets shook off the last 2 games where they struggled to get hot early and ran out to a 6-0 lead off the bat with both Murphy and Strong draining three pointers to get the Fugate crowd rolling.
The fans were loud all night with Newman giving them plenty to cheer for.
After trading back and forth blows, Newman used a 15-4 run to take a 33-23 lead and wouldn't look back the rest of the way. The Jets were able to hold on to the lead and not let the Riverhawks breathe as they'd keep NSU from getting it back within under 3 points the rest of the game.
NU went into the half up 8 at 41-33 and took a 16 point lead 7 minutes into the second half. The Jets were hot and poised to leave Homecoming Night with a win and give Newman a 4-0 Wednesday with both Men's and Women's Tennis and Women's Basketball earning victories on the day.
NSU would make it interesting late but the Jets kept their composure and sank the needed free throws to give themselves breathing room and come away with the win.
Newman moves to 4-6 all time vs Northeastern State. The Jets are 4-1 at home vs the men in black and green.
NU was outshot from the field 56% to 53% but made 1 more three point shot and 6 more free throws to get the edge over the Riverhawks.
Stevie Strong continued his impressive streak of scoring 10+ points in every game he's played in this season. The sophomore earned a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists.
Sam, we mean SLAM Somerhalder finished with 12 points and a monster dunk to bring the roar of the Jets faithful to its loudest point at Fugate.
Thomas Zevgaras was a force to be reckoned with in the post. The Sophomore from Greece grabbed 7 rebounds and scored 13 points to help Newman get the win.
Latik Murphy's 25 was the most he's scored in a game since his 26 point performance at Missouri Southern in late January. The Junior shined bright on homecoming and spearheaded the offense in the right direction in route to the 79-74 win.
"My teammates set me up tonight. They're the reason for my 25 point game." Murphy said. "My coaches told me to stay ready and be aggressive for the team. It felt good to get that win because we're still trying to make the tournament. I believe we can build on this win."
The Jets have another great opportunity for a win this Saturday when Rogers State visits Wichita. Newman looks to salvage their loss earlier in the season in Claremore in Saturday's matchup set for 3:30.
