RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – SWOSU Men's Basketball fell to Newman 80-64 on day one of the GAC/MIAA Challenge. The Bulldogs and Jets were deadlocked at 29-29 after the first half, but a hot shooting second half by the Jets proved too much for the Dawgs too keep up with.

The Bulldogs will be back on the court for day two of the GAC/MIAA challenge when they play Missouri Southern at 2:00 pm on Saturday.

SWOSU never held a lead in the first half, but continually stayed within striking distance to manage a 29-29 finish by the end of the half. Freshman Kray Rogers had eight points on 3-of-5 shooting including two three-point makes in the first half as well as five rebounds that led all Dawgs. Kaysen Gipson added eight points of his own. As a whole SWOSU shot 11-30 in the first half and went 5-18 behind the arc.

Offensively in the second half, SWOSU saw its shooting splits improve in both field goals and from the three-point line, but Newman shot a blistering 64.5% from the field while also shooting 50% from three to produce 51 second half points.

Tobias Roland in his first action for the Dawgs led the way with 13 points on 3-8 shooting and went 5-7 from the free throw line. Gipson (3-6) and fellow freshman Nate Reherman (4-8) each added 10 points for the Bulldogs. Rogers did not score in the second half after leading the way early.

Senior MJ Warrior couldn't find his rhythm shooting the ball but was able to dish out eight assists and force four steals, both of which were game highs.

SWOSU was outscored 42-16 in the paint but did win the turnover battle 20-16 which led to 23 points off those turnovers.