Games 22 & 23

vs Missouri Southern (11-8 (5-5 MIAA)) 
Thursday, February 5th | 7:30 PM | Fugate Gymnasium
Video | Live Stats | Audio

vs Pittsburg State (12-8 (6-4 MIAA)) 
Saturday, February 7th | 3:30 PM | Fugate Gymnasium
Video | Live Stats | Audio


Last Time Out
The Jets battled through a tough stretch, but came up short in matchups against Central Oklahoma and Rogers State. Newman fell 74–57 to the Bronchos before closing the week falling to the Hillcats.

The Jets came out strong against Central Oklahoma, opening the game with early baskets from Cyrus Shaw and building momentum with a quick run that forced a Broncho timeout. Newman stayed in front through much of the first half behind scoring from Thatcher McClure and strong interior defense from Terrell Wright. Despite multiple lead changes, Central Oklahoma used a late push to take a 38–33 lead into halftime. The Jets opened the second half with energy, cutting the deficit to one and briefly regaining the lead after a McClure three. Central Oklahoma answered with a run of its own, and while the Jets continued to compete and defend, the Bronchos were able to pull away late.

The Jets also showed fight against Rogers State, getting on the board early with layups from Shaw and McClure and a three from Jacob Joe. The Hillcats gained control midway through the first half, but the Jets stayed within reach and trailed 35–29 at the break. Rogers State extended its lead early in the second half, responding each time the Jets threatened. Joe knocked down multiple threes and Shaw led the offense throughout, but the Hillcats finished strong to close out the game.

Scouting the Jets 
The Jets enter the week averaging 75.4 points per game while shooting 43% from the field. They have connected on 34.8% of their three-point attempts. Thatcher McClure leads the scoring attack, averaging 11 points per game, while Cyrus Shaw has emerged in conference play at 10.2 points per contest. Terrell Wright controls the glass for the Jets, pulling down 6.4 rebounds per game and leading the team with 37 blocks. Sam Somerhalder facilitates Newman's offense, averaging 3.3 assists per game. Jacob Joe provides the Jets' biggest threat from beyond the arc, shooting 37% from three-point range.


Behind Enemy Lines
The Lions come to Wichita after sweeping last week's matchups against UAFS and NSU. MSSU enters the contest at 11–8 overall and 5–5 in MIAA play. The Lions average 86.3 points per game offensively while holding opponents to 78.5 points per contest. Jaeden Taylor leads the scoring attack at 19.0 points per game. Gavyn Elkamil provides a strong secondary option, averaging 13.7 points per game while shooting a team-high 39% from three-point range. Tyrone Wright Jr. leads the team on the glass with 5.9 rebounds per game, and Colin Ruffin facilitates the offense, averaging 2.9 assists per game.

Pitt State enters the week at 12–8 overall and 6–4 in MIAA play after defeating NSU before falling to UAFS. The Gorillas average 78.7 points per game while allowing 70.7 defensively. Connor Rogers leads the way offensively at 20.0 points per game and shoots a team-high 41.2% from beyond the arc. Mason English adds 13.9 points per game and also helps facilitate the offense with 5.7 assists per contest. Donald Coats leads Pitt State on the boards, pulling down 5.6 rebounds per game.



The Series
-The Lions have taken 10 of 12 meetings, including the most recent matchup on January 10th. The Jets most recent win came in January of 2025

-The Jets are 6-16 against the Gorillas, falling earlier in the season, 86-73.

Next Up
The Jets will hit the road to face Nebraska Kearney and Fort Hays State.