ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - It was a memorable night in Newman Basketball, as Stevie Strong hit 1,000 career points following a three pointer against the Missouri Western Griffons on Thursday. 

Strong entered the 2023-24 campaign as the defending scoring champion in the MIAA. Strong's milestone three pointer came with 15:43 remaining in the first half. 

This game was the first time that the Jets have faced off against ranked opposition this season, as the Griffons were ranked No. 25 this week in the Division II poll. It will be the first of two ranked opponents this week for the Jets. 

The Griffons took a strong advantage for a good portion of the second half, but a run by the Jets brought the score to within reaching distance. Triston Turner and Devin Walker scored all of the points on the run to bring the score down to a couple possessions. 

Some of the Jets momentum would be halted as the Griffons hit a three pointer at the buzzer to take a firm grip on the lead after the Jets fight back. 

The Griffons lead continued to grow as the Jets got unlucky from good shot attempts. The Jets were also out rebounded, with the most a Jets player had was two for long portions of this contest. 

A stronger second half was not enough for the Jets, as they fell on the road, 97-58. 

The Jets will take on No. 24 Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, as they continue this weekend's Missouri road trip.