Games 16 & 17

vs Central Missouri (13-5 (4-2 MIAA)) 
Wednesday, January 14th | 7:30 PM | Fugate Gymnasium
Video | Live Stats | Audio

vs No. 1 Washburn (16-0 (6-0 MIAA)) 
Saturday, January 17th | 3:30 PM | Fugate Gymnasium
Video | Live Stats | Audio


Last Time Out

The Jets endured a tough week, dropping road matchups against Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern. Newman fell 86–73 to the Gorillas before getting bested 72–50 against the Lions.

Against Pittsburg State, the Jets faced an uphill climb coming out of halftime, but Cyrus Shaw and Jordan Glenn-Hawkins helped ignite a second-half push that brought Newman back within striking distance. Despite the surge, the Jets were unable to fully close the gap, as the Gorillas held on down the stretch to secure the win.

Missouri Southern seized control early in Saturday's contest, opening the game with a 10–0 run. The Lions continued to move the ball effectively on the offensive end, and although Shaw converted a layup to pull the Jets within seven, Missouri Southern carried a 19-point advantage into halftime. The second half followed a similar script, as the Lions responded each time Newman threatened, including answering a 6–0 Jets run to open the half, and maintained control the rest of the way to seal the victory.

Scouting the Jets 

The Jets are averaging 79.1 points per game while allowing 78.9 on the defensive end. As a team, Newman is shooting 45 percent from the field, including an efficient 37.6 percent from beyond the arc. Thatcher McClure and Sam Somerhalder continue to serve as steady contributors for the Jets. McClure leads the team with 11.9 points per game and paces Newman in both field goal percentage (58%) and three-point shooting (44.8%). Somerhalder adds 7.3 points per contest and leads the Jets on the glass, averaging 4.8 rebounds per game. Cyrus Shaw has also emerged as a key offensive option, reaching double figures in five of his last six games and providing Newman with added scoring depth.


Behind Enemy Lines

The Mules enter the week with a 13–5 overall record and are coming off a stretch in which they received votes in the national polls. UCM sits at 4–2 in MIAA play after splitting last weekend, earning a win over Northwest Missouri State before falling to Missouri Western. UCM is averaging 81.1 points per game while limiting opponents to 72.8. The Mules are shooting 39.8 percent from three-point range as a team. Lazarek Houston has appeared in all 18 games this season and leads UCM in scoring at 19.4 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. Jevon Hill and Kyran Tilley provide additional offensive balance, each averaging 13.4 points per contest, with Hill also leading the team on the glass at 5.4 rebounds per game.

The Ichabods enter the week as the nation's top-ranked team, boasting a perfect 16–0 record. Washburn handled two challenging road tests last week with double-digit victories over MoWest and NWMSU. Washburn is averaging 88.6 points per game while limiting opponents to just 61 points per contest. Dillon Claussen leads the Ichabods offensively, averaging 16 points per game while also contributing 6.9 rebounds per game. Jack Bachelor provides another consistent scoring threat, posting 15.3 points per game while shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc and leading the team with 78 assists. Bryson Smith is another key contributor for Washburn, averaging 10.9 points per game.


The Series

-UCM has won five of seven meetings with Newman; the Jets' last victory was a buzzer-beater on Dec. 2, 2023.

-Washburn has taken 14 of 16 meetings with Newman, sweeping the season series last year.

Next Up

The Jets will hit the road to face UAFS on January 22nd before traveling to Northeastern State on January 24th.