TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - In what was a defensive struggle on a Thursday night, the Jets played some of their best defense of the season against Northeastern State, holding the RiverHawks to 29.5% shooting and just three from beyond the arc. Despite the good defense, the RiverHawks were able to get to the free throw line more often and score the deciding points. 

Even with the low shooting, Northeastern State held the lead for almost the entire game. The Jets tied the game only one time in the first quarter, with scoring droughts keeping Newman just a few possessions behind for the rest of the game. 

Three three point shots from Amiya Josey helped keep Newman in the game in the second quarter, as she went nearly perfect from three, missing only one three in the first half. 

With their best shooting quarter in the game, the RiverHawks took a twelve point lead to the break. However, they would find it difficult to shoot against the Jets in the second half. 

Jaeden McMillin helped lead the Newman charge in the second half, scoring eight of her twelve points after the intermission 

Only holding Northeastern State to three field goals and no three pointers, the Jets still found themselves in a double-digit deficit, mainly due to the fact the RiverHawks made it to the free throw line more often than Newman. 

The Jets defense was even better in the second half, allowing just two field goals. 

Four points and a steal from McMillin gave Newman a lifeline, as they trailed by just two possessions with two minutes remaining. 

Empty possessions and a few free throws gave Newman a close 58-51 loss. By comparison, Newman only went to the line five times while the RiverHawks went for twenty four attempts. 

Amiya Josey finished as the game's leading scorer between either team, finishing with thirteen points. 

The Jets will head to Rogers State on Saturday, with tipoff at 1:30 PM.