St Joseph, Mo. - Men's Basketball faced Missouri Western in their last game of the 2024-25 regular season. With both teams looking for a desired spot in the MIAA Championships next week, the game was expected to be very competitive until the end. Even though Newman was able to tie multiple double digit deficits, the Griffons took the game 78-82. 
 
How It Happened:
Newman started the game leading with a three pointer by their top scorer, Aaron Murphy. Following that, Jordan Glenn-Hawkins scored a three point play with a made jumper and a made free throw. A very accurate and effective Griffon team took an early double digit lead half way through the first period, shooting 83% from behind the arc and 73% from the field. Thatcher McClure made a long three to cut the difference down to single digits with 5:00 left in the half. Murphy scored two free throws to add his tenth point and put the game within two scoring plays. After that, Newman was able to tie a once 16 point deficit when Boston Stanton III and McClure scored a three each to tie the game at 40-40. The Griffons made a final effort to score four points and stay ahead at the half.

After the break, Missouri Western scored six points to put the difference back at ten. Newman responded with two consecutive jumpers to cut the lead down to six again. With 14:28 left in the game, Glenn-Hawkins' layup put the difference down to five. After multiple baskets from both teams, Aaron Murphy scored back to back jumpers to bring the Jets within two points of the Griffons. Continuing his outstanding game, Murphy scored a layup to tie the game at sixty fours. The Jets had a chance to take the lead with a free throw but they barely missed it, giving MWSU  a chance to retake it. With 6:45 to go in the game, the Jets only trailed by one point after a good jumper by Murphy. Sam Somerhalder and Glenn-Hawkins kept the Jets within two with two made baskets. Thatcher McClure tied the game up once again with a layup made just under the three minute mark. After that, the Griffons scored but Stanton III didn't let them get away making a quick layup. With another chance to take the lead, Newman missed a three pointer and kept the game up for grabs. Missouri Western took that opportunity and scored five consecutive baskets to claim the game 78-82.  

Player Notes: 
-Aaron Murphy led the Jets with 21 pts going 8-9 from the field. 
-Boston Stanton III had 16 pts, 4 assists and 2 rebounds. 
-Thatcher McClure added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
-Somerhalder and Glenn-Hawkins had double digits points and grabbed 6 rebounds each. 

Up Next:
The Jets end this way their 2024-25 regular season.