WICHITA - Men's Basketball fell 88-81 in a 2nd half slugfest against MIAA and old Heartland Conference foe, Rogers State.

Newman overcame a slow first half start where Rogers State jumped out to a 16-3 lead. The Jets went into the half down 13 after hacking into the deficit that was as high as 18.

The Hillcats and Jets traded blows in the 2nd half. Newman worked endlessly to get the deficit under 10 and finally after a Latik Murphy three with 9:20 left got the Jets deficit to 7 which was the smallest margin since the beginning of the game.

Newman used that momentum gained and quickly started shooting lights out. Murphy scored8 points within a minute and Stevie Strong's three brought the deficit to 1.

Ian Lee showed up big and drained a three pointer from the corner to tie the game and cause a panic to the Hillcats bench. Strong made a three pointer less than 2 minutes later to give Newman the lead at 77-75.

Rogers State's Chris Whitaker cooled off the Jets after hitting a step back jumper to get the Hillcats back in the lead. No. 2 had 19 points in the victory over Newman.

RSU would outscore the Jets 11-6 the rest of the way and roll away with a 7 point victory.

Newman shot 50% from the field and 35% from three. Rogers State's 51% field goal percentage was good enough to outlast NU with 3 more shots made, the difference in the game.

Latik Murphy led Newman again with 23 points. The Junior shot 50% from the field.

Stevie Strong followed with 21, continuing his streak of double digit scoring to now 25 games that he's played in.

Sam Somerhalder finished with 14 points and shot 66% from the field. Ian Lee was the 4th Jet with double digit scoring with 11.

Newman was a perfect 11-11 from the free throw line.

The Jets postseason hopes come to an end but they'll end a season on a strong note with a trip to Missouri Western on and then end the season at home with senior day against UCO on Saturday.