SILVER CITY, N.M. (November 1, 2014) – The Western New Mexico University Mustangs prevented the Adams State University Grizzlies from extending their winning streak thanks to a last minute, go-ahead touchdown. The Shaine Tupua one-yard scoring run was enough to give the Mustangs a 40-36 win.

The Grizzlies (3-6, 2-5 RMAC) possessed a 29-16 lead enter the fourth but the ASU defense was unable to find an answer to the WNMU offense that racked up 24 points in the final stanza.  

For the game, the Mustangs (4-5, 3-4 RMAC) totaled 618 yards of offense and were led by quarterback Mitch Glasmann and running back Marques Rodgers. Glasmann went 23-of-45 for 347 yards and two touchdowns while Rodgers had his way with the ASU defense to the tune of 222 rushing yards on 32 carries along with one touchdown.

It was a game the Grizzlies controlled until the fourth quarter. ASU galloped out to a 16-7 advantage after the first quarter and expanded upon that to take a 22-10 lead into halftime. A 16-yard Addie Brown touchdown further extended the ASU lead to 29-10 midway through the third. However after the Brown score, the Mustangs fought back with 23 unanswered points to claim a 33-29 lead with 4:17 remaining in regulation.

Responding quickly was the Auston Hillman led offense who retook the lead with an impressive five play, 75 yard touchdown drive capped off with a 4-yard Michael Carl run towards the left pylon of the end zone. The Grizzly defense was unable to halt the Mustang offense on the ensuing drive as Tupua punched the ball in for the winning score.

In defeat, ASU once again struggled in time of possession by holding the ball for only 25:13 opposed to 34:37 for WNMU. Hillman went 15-of-29 for 237 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Hillman was also good for 41 yards on the ground. Carl led the Grizzlies in rushing with 88 yards on 10 carries for a pair of touchdowns. Denzel McCullum led all players with five receptions and 101 yards receiving.

The defensive efforts were led by linebackers Wesley Brandon and John Reed who each finished with 12 tackles apiece. Defensive back John Flowers added seven tackles and was responsible for the only Grizzly sack on the afternoon.

Adams State returns home for their home finale on Nov. 8 against Fort Lewis College at 12:05 p.m. The game between the Grizzlies and Skyhawks will serve as the annual Musket Game.