Game 18:
 
vs. Central Oklahoma 14-6 (6-6 MIAA)
Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 3:30 PM | Wichita, KS (Fugate Gymnasium)
Audio: Jets Audio Network | Video: MIAA Network | Stats
 
Last Time Out
The Jets faced off with two top 25 opponents last week, and found themselves frustrated on the road. It was once of the toughest tests the Jets had faced this season and the first time they had taken on ranked opponents this season.

After taking on #25 Missouri Western last Thursday, Newman headed to Maryville to take on #24 Northwest Missouri State.

The Jets couldn't have asked for a worse start as the Bearcats started the game on a 12-0 run.    

Newman was able to stop some of the bleeding and had some good defensive stands. A bit of momentum for the Jets swung in their favor at the very end of the half, as Sam Somerhalder beat the buzzer to put the Jets in a good position. 

With both teams coming out of the locker room on fire, the Jets were still a few steps behind the Bearcats. Although they would cut the lead to just a two possession game, it would be the closest the Jets would come to the lead the entire game.
Box Score | Recap
 
Jets History 
Stevie Strong became the program's all time leading scorer at the turn of the New Year, and went over a thousand career points last week. His 1,000 point came off of a three pointer against Missouri Western last Thursday. 

MIAA Standings Report
As the Jets skid continues, they are still in a position to get a conference tournament berth, with just two games behind the ten seed, which would be the last spot available to qualify. With the next three games at home and a win on Saturday, the Jets could have a favorable end to the season.

Northwest Missouri State regained the lead at the top of the conference, with wins over both the Jets and Central Oklahoma last weekend. They sit at 9-2 in the MIAA.

Central Oklahoma has fallen considerably in the standings, with a three game losing streak not helping their cause. They would be the seven seed if the tournament started this week.

Behind Enemy Lines
If the Bronchos had not gone on a three-game losing streak over the past few weeks, the Jets could have been facing off against their third ranked opponent in as many games.

Both teams are looking to end their losing streak, and someone will break it following Saturday. The Bronchos were picked to finish fourth, and while there is still plenty of the season to go, are not in a position they expected to be at in the middle of the season. The Bronchos even received a vote to finish in first place.

The Bronchos are 2-4 on the road, losing three of their last four road matchups. Their loss against #25 Missouri Western was only by a single point.

The Series
The Jets are 1-7 all time against Central Oklahoma. The only win came in the early stages of the COVID season. The Jets have lost five straight against their Oklahoma opponents since then.

Upcoming Attractions
The Jets will be back in Fugate for the next two conference games, hosting Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State.