Southern (6-3) was up by four points after a three point play Ateba made the score 79-75 with 2:44 left in overtime.

Two free throw's from Newman's (8-1) Ryan Bradley cut the Southern lead to one  (79-78), and a three from the Jets' Jarvis Jackson gave Newman a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

The Lions came as close as one (81-80) after a free throw from Ateba with 36 seconds left. TJ Britton added a jumper with less than a second, but it was not enough.

Ateba led all scorers with 24 points and 14 rebounds, both career highs. He was 8-14 from the field and 8-10 from the charity stripe. Bowlin and Webb both had 15 with Bowlin connecting on a career-high 4 three pointers. Octavius Hawkins had 14 points, while Britton added a season high 10 boards.

Jackson led four Newman players in double-figures with 20 points. Newman shot 47 percent from the field.

The Lions outscored Newman with points in the paint, points off of turnovers, second chance points and fast break points. However, for the first time this season, Southern committed more turnovers than its opponent with 18 to Newman's 16.

The Lions finish non conference play 6-3. They will be back in action on January 2 when they travel to Truman State to start MIAA play with a 7:30 pm tip off.