Box Score
ALBUQURQUE, N.M. (November 7, 2014) —Playing in one of the most highly regarded and intimidating basketball venues, the Adams State University men's basketball team fell 62-50 at The Pit to the University of New Mexico Lobos.
It marked the first of three exhibition games for Adams State against NCAA Division I opponents.
A new season ushered in an array of new faces to the Grizzly program as starters
Kendyl Grover,
Shakir Smith, and
Marcus Hall all saw their first game action with the program.
Bruno Machado and
Mikey Hope completed the starting five but were new to their starting role. During 2013-14 Machado saw his season cut short after two games in a reserve role while Hope played in all 27 games but only started three times.
The lack of experience would not initially play a factor as the Grizzlies galloped out to an early 13-6 before the first media timeout. Adams State pushed the Lobos thanks to the efforts of Smith who went 4-4 from three-point territory to begin the game.
Adams State controlled the lead until 5:05 remained before halftime but a layup from Devon Williams put the Lobos ahead, 26-24.
New Mexico stretched the lead to nine by the break for a 36-27 advantage as Smith led all players at the half with 14 points.
An 8-0 run by the Lobos to begin the second half pushed the Grizzlies to a 43-27 deficit. New Mexico maintained their double digit lead the rest of the way despite ASU ending the game on an 11-7 run.
Both teams showed signs of rust throughout as Adams State concluded the game shooting 32% (20-63) from the field while the Lobos finished at 27% (20-73). Making a significant impact was New Mexico's ability to get to the charity stripe. The Lobos connected on 17-28 (61%) free throw attempts while the Grizzlies struggled mightily to the tune of a 2-11 (18%) performance.
Smith led all players with 21 points by shooting 8-21 from the field and finished 5-14 from three.
Michael Middlebrooks completed his first game for the Green and Black with a game-high 16 rebounds and 9 blocks along with six points. Senior guard
Rodney Nelson tallied eight points and a game-high four assists in 20 minutes off the bench.
Devon Williams led the Lobos with 13 points and 12 rebounds as Hugh Greenwood also collected a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Grizzlies now prep for their home opener on Nov. 15 against Northwest Christian University (Ore.). Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. from Plachy Hall.
