Games 21 & 22:
 
vs. Fort Hays State 16-5 (11-4 MIAA)
Thursday, February 8th, 2024 | 7:30 PM | Hays, KS (Gross Memorial Coliseum))
Audio: none | Video: MIAA Network | Stats
 
vs. Nebraska Kearney 5-15 (2-13 MIAA)
Saturday, February 10th, 2024 | 4:00 PM | Kearney, NE (UNK Health and Sports Center)
Audio: none | Video: MIAA Network | Stats
 
 
Last Time Out
Newman got off to a quick start against Pittsburg State on Saturday, but errors at the end of the first half and in the second half prevented them getting their first conference win in over a month. 

The Jets started on a quick 6-2 run to open the game, with Triston Turner assisting and getting several steals in the process to open the run. 

The Gorillas tied the game up several times, only to have the Jets retake the lead. 

Despite the promising opening, Newman went cold for a stretch that allowed the Gorillas to take a firm advantage. 

In the last two minutes of the half, the Gorillas went on a 9-0 without allowing a single point as they took a 21-point advantage to the half. 

Latik Murphy went on a 10-0 run all by himself, but it wasn't enough as the Gorillas won 77-60.
Box Score | Recap
 
MIAA Standings Report
The Jets will face two teams that they have already beaten this season, with one surging in the rankings and the other below Newman. Fort Hays State sits in second place, just a few games behind leaders Northwest Missouri State.

Meanwhile, Nebraska Kearney sits in last place, currently on a 10 game losing streak.  

Behind Enemy Lines
Since losing to Newman before the Christmas break, the Fort Hays State Tigers have won eight out of their last ten, including winning all four home games since then. The Tigers are undefeated at home this season, picking up wins against some of the top teams in the conference, including Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western.

The Tigers are coming off a 1-1 week last weekend, getting the season sweep over the Griffons and in a battle for first place, took Northwest Missouri State to two overtimes, losing 64-61.

The Tigers are 0-3 when going into overtime this season, with one of them being Newman's victory in December.

Nebraska Kearney come into this week with a ten game losing streak, with the Lopers picking up only one win in their last twelve. The Jets defeated the Lopers handily in the first meeting.

UNK has won most of their games at home, with a 4-6 record coming into Thursday.

The Series
Newman is 3-18 against Fort Hays State all time. The Jets win over the Tigers in December was their first since 2018, and ended an eight game losing streak in the series.

The Jets are 4-5 all time against the Lopers, having won the last three meetings. A win on Saturday would earn the Jets the longest winning streak in the series.

Upcoming Attractions
The Jets will host Barclay in a make up game from November, and will then host their penultimate home game of the season, taking on Emporia State.