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Men's basketball struggles over Thanksgiving break

By Aaron Eshelman, Staff Writer

While most of Newman’s students were home eating turkey, the men’s basketball team was in Topeka competing in the Washburn Thanksgiving Classic.

The trip did not go as planned for the Jets. Newman lost back-to-back games in Topeka, first falling to Truman State 78-72, and then to Southwestern Oklahoma State 92-83.

In the first game, Newman faced off against a Truman State team that had two wins already this season over ranked opponents but came to Newman having lost three of its last four contests.

The Jets were lights out from three in this game, making seven of their 13 attempts from deep, including three from senior Jawaun Davenport.

However, this would not be enough to overcome the incredible performance by Broderic Thomas of Truman State, who recorded a season-high 32 points along with seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.

In the second game, Newman would get an incredible performance of its own from senior Marshawn Blackmon who recorded a double-double including a career high 28 points and 15 rebounds.

However, even with Junior David Javorski also scoring 20 points, Newman’s defense could not keep up with the Bulldogs, allowing 92 points - the most Newman has given up since March 2 of last year.

The Jets look to get back in the win column tonight vs. Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

“We just need to stick together, play as a team and follow the game plan Coach Allen has set out for us,” freshman Gabriel Snow said.

PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Newman Athletics.