Game 26

vs Emporia State (9-16 (6-10 MIAA))
Saturday, February 22nd | 3:30 PM | Fugate Gymnasium
Video | Live Stats | Audio

Last Time Out
Newman hosted Nebraska Kearney and Fort Hays State last week. The Jets had a slow start in the Wednesday game against the Lopers, trailing by 11 points early in the first half. Despite Newman's effort to cut down the lead, and a late three point attempt by Devin Walker, UNK ended the half leading by eleven points. After the break, the Jets were able to cut down the difference to 6 points with fifteen minutes left in the game. The Lopers held on to the lead and took the win 79-66. Against Fort Hays it was a different story. Newman ended the first half leading by two points after being up by 5 points at one point. In the second half, a very accurate Tiger offense scored their way to a 76-68 victory. Aaron Murphy led the Jets in scoring with 21 points and also added seven rebounds. Thatcher McClure and Jayden Schoen both recorded double-digit points.  

Scouting the Jets 
The Jets are averaging 76.6 points per game, while holding their opponents to also 76.6 points per game. As a team, Newman is shooting 45.2% from the field and 35% from behind the arc. The scoring for the Jets is well spread, with three Jets averaging double digit points per game (Boston Stanton III, Sam Somerhalder, and Aaron Murphy). Murphy leads the Jets with 12.1 points per game for a total of 302 points. Somerhalder leads the Jets in rebounding with 6.1 per game and in assists with a total of 73.

Behind Enemy Lines
Emporia State is off to a 9-16 season with a 6-10 conference record. Malik Edwards Jr leads the Hornets offense, averaging over 13 points per game. Three other Hornets are also averaging over ten points per game. ESU is averaging 71 points per game as a team, shooting 43.1% from the field and 34.5% from behind the arc. The Hornets, who come from losing to the Nebraska Kearney Lopers last Saturday, will play Missouri Western and Northeastern State for their last two games of the season, next week.

The Series
The Jets are 8-11 against the Hornets. The last game Newman won at home was in February of 2020 when the Jets beat ESU 71-61, completing a three game winning streak.
 
Next Up
Men's Basketball will hit the road for their last two games of the regular season, with a spot for the MIAA Championships on the line.