WICHITA- The Jets hosted Rogers State for their first contest of 2026. The Jets fell short, 62-53. 

How it Happened:
- The Jets scored the first basket of the quarter. The Hillcats answered with a 5-0 run. Newman then responded with a 4-0 run with baskets by Jaeden McMillin and Valeriya Lioukina to take the lead at 6-5. The Jets and Hillcats would trade on and off the lead until the Jets put on a 10-0 run to end the quarter. During the run, Paige Craft scored two, Alexis Martin hit a three-pointer, Lioukina scored and McMillin scored. Newman won the first quarter, 21-14. 
- A 4-0 run took the Jets out to a 25-14 lead. A 5-0 run by the Hillcats would bring the score within six points. Another strong run, 9-2, by the Jets took their lead out to 34-21. During this run, Martin hit another three, Monica Redondo scored, and Lioukina netted four points. The Jets would end the half with the 36-23. 
- Redondo hit from behind the arc to start the third quarter. Though the Jets were first to the board out of the half, the Riverhawks went on an 11-0 run to make the score 39-34 still in favor of the Jets. A layup by Craft at the three minute mark would stop the run. Another short surge by the Hillcats brought them within two points. With 11 seconds left in the quarter, the Hillcats connected to tie the game at 42 all. 
- In the fourth quarter, the Hillcats scored the first bucket for the lead. An Alexis Martin three would regain the Jets lead. Later, an 8-0 run would allow RSU to extend their lead to 54-46. Yet another three by Martin brought Newman within five at the four minute mark. The Jets continued to battle, but could not close the deficit in time. Newman would fall, 62-53. 

Player Notes: 
- Martin led the Jets with 15 points, going 5-8 from three and 5-10 from the field. 
- Craft and Perez both netted 11 points. 
- Lioukina scored a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. 

The Jets are back in action on Saturday where they host Central Oklahoma at 1:30 PM.