Game 26

Vs Emporia State (8-17 (4-12 MIAA))
Saturday, February 21st | 3:30 PM | Emporia, Ks.
Video | Live Stats | Audio

Last Time Out 

Last week the Jets faced Nebraksa-Kearney and Fort Hays State on the road. 

Nebraska–Kearney responded to the Jets early layup with an 18–0 run to seize a 20–4 advantage. The Jets answered with a strong stretch of their own, as Jacob Joe hit a three and Aime Rutayisire added a bucket to cut the deficit to seven. Joe later drained back-to-back threes to bring Newman within two, but the Lopers held steady and carried a 40–33 lead into halftime. In the second half, Thatcher McClure opened with a three to pull the Jets within four, and Cyrus Shaw trimmed the margin to three shortly after. Nebraska-Kearney, however, used another 16–0 run to create separation. Newman battled back behind Joe, Rutayisire and McClure, but the Lopers maintained control and closed out an 86–67 win.

Fort Hays State Tigers fell behind early as the Jets opened on an 11–4 run behind shooting from Thatcher McClure and Cyrus Shaw, building a 24–10 lead midway through the first half. FHSU answered with a 12–0 run of their own, but Newman held a 35–33 advantage at the break. The second half showed multiple lead changes. After the Tigers grabbed the lead, the Jets responded with an 11–0 run to go back in front, highlighted by Shaw's 19th point of the night. Late threes from Shaw put Newman ahead 72–69, but the Tigers tied it at 72 in the final seconds to force overtime. In OT, Shaw hit another three to briefly give the Jets a lead, but a 9–0 Tigers run proved decisive. Fort Hays State would take the win, 91–83. .

Scouting the Jets 

The Jets enter the week averaging 74.6 points per game while shooting 43.4% from the field. They have connected on 33.3% of their three-point attempts and average 8.0 per game. The Jets average 34.7 rebounds per game and 6.6 steals. Individually, Cyrus Shaw leads the team in scoring with an average of 11.6 points per game. Thatcher McClure gives the Jets another double digit scorer with 10.6 per contest. Terrell Wright continues to lead the team with 42 blocks on the season and records 6.0 rebounds per game. Sam Somerhalder, who leads the team in minutes, is a key piece to the Jets offense recording 3.2 assists per contest and 8.4 points per game. 

Behind Enemy Lines

The Hornets are currently on a three game losing streak, their last win recorded on February 5th against Pittsburg State. The team averages 74.5 points per game and records a field goal percentage of 43.8%. The Hornets collect 36.4 rebounds per game and 6.0 steals. Individually, Chris Harris leads the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game as well as minutes played. Harris records 5.4 rebounds per contest and 18 blocks on the season. Trey Redd helps the team behind the arc with a three-point percentage of 46.7%.

The Series 

-Newman and Emporia State have met 20 times. The Jets have a 9-11 record against the Hornets. The last matchup in February of 2025 resulted in a Jets win with a score of 89-85.

Next Up 

The Jets will return home to face Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western State to close out regular season play.