WICHITA - In a thrilling Saturday contest in the MIAA, Newman fell just short against Emporia State after a commanding first half from the Jets. Newman held onto the lead until deep into the game, but the Hornets were able to steal a win in front of a packed crowd for senior day. 

Before the game, seniors Triston Turner, Thomas Zevgaras, Latik Murphy, Kwaku Agyapong and Chase Wiebe were honored for their contributions to Newman Basketball. 

The five seniors all started against the Hornets and got off to a fast start. Starting the game with a strong 7-0 lead in the first four minutes, senior Thomas Zevgaras was a big contributor for the Jets in the first half with his work in the paint. 

The Jets took a double digit lead at one point in the half, thanks to some excellent shooting from leading scorer Stevie Strong, who finished the game with a team high twenty points. 

The Hornets fought their way back into the game, but it was still Newman's lead at the half, with the Jets leading by five points. 

At the half, Newman was rebounding at a better rate than the Hornets with a considerable amount of rebounds in favor of the Jets. 

Strong immediately hit a three pointer in the second half, and gave the Jets a firm lead once again. 

The Hornets went on a run that brought them back within just a point, and wouldn't even get their first lead of the day until the middle of the second half. 

The Jets briefly took the lead from another Strong three pointer, but Emporia State would finally get the breakaway they had been looking for as the Jets fell into a perilous position. 

Four points would be the closest the Jets would get back within the lead, as it was the Hornets who took an eleven point win at the end, winning 75-64. 

An unsung hero for Newman this season, Sam Somerhalder finished a rebound short of a double-double, finishing with fourteen points and nine rebounds. Somerhalder only missed one shot in the game, making all six of his other attempts. 

Latik Murphy was the leading scorer among the senior class, finishing with eleven points. 

The Jets will have just one more home game, as they host Missouri Western in two weeks for homecoming, Before that meeting, Newman will travel to Northeastern State and Rogers State next week.