ALAMOSA, Colo. (November 21, 2014) – The Adams State University men's basketball team fought off a pesky Langston University Lions squad Friday night to the tune of an 86-78 win from Plachy Hall Gym.

The Grizzlies (2-0) led by as much as 13 but the Lions (2-1) kept pace and often narrowed the ASU lead to one possession. After two Terrell Jones free throws, Langston trailed by just two at 56-54 but the Grizzlies pulled away down the stretch.

Shakir Smith had a team-high 24 points as Michael Middlebrooks controlled the paint with 15 points, nine rebounds, and eight blocked shots. Middelbrooks' presence helped translate to 50 points in the paint for ASU. The Grizzlies also maintained a 46-24 rebounding edge in the non-conference tilt.

Countering Adam State's down low game was Langston's three-point shooting as the Lions shot 42 percent (9-21) beyond the arc. Curtis Jones led these efforts shooting 5-5 from three and finished with a game-high 30 points.

Five Grizzlies finished in double figures. Joining Smith and Middlebrooks in this category were Travante Williams with 16 points, Juwan Buchanan with 12, and Bruno Machado with 11.

Adams State now preps for a Nov. 25 home meeting with the Northern New Mexico College Eagles at 7:30 p.m.