ALAMOSA, Colo. (January 7, 2015) – Fans can make their way back to Plachy Hall Gym this weekend as Adams State University is scheduled to host the Western New Mexico University Mustangs and the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys. Both games will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. with live stats, video, and audio made available.
The Grizzlies return home after a recent road sweep over Black Hills State University and Chadron State College. ASU has not played at Plachy Hall since Dec. 21.
Last Time OutWith road wins over BHSU and CSC, the Grizzlies improved to 6-4 overall and 3-4 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play. It was the program's first road sweep of the season and first since a four game stretch late during the 2013-14 campaign.
Michael Middlebrooks led the way in the 68-58 win over the Yellow Jackets as the 6-foot-9 post was an efficient 10-of-13 from the floor. His game-high 20 points came in a reserve role. Middlebrooks also picked up seven rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal. As a team, ASU shot 54 percent (28-51) from the floor.
After trailing 14-2 to begin the game against CSC, the Grizzlies rallied for a dramatic 80-66 victory over the Eagles. Seniors
Justin Kauffman and
Juwan Buchanan became viable offensive weapons and led the team with 21 and 18 points, respectively. Kauffman shot a healthy 6-of-8 from three while Buchanan was an efficient 8-of-12 from the floor. The duo combined for a 15-0 run in the second half that took the contest from a tied game to a 67-52 Grizzly lead in just a four minute span.
Shakir Smith was the only other ASU player in double figures with 15 points.
About The MustangsComing in at 1-11, 1-7 RMAC the Mustangs of Western New Mexico are tied for last place in the conference standings. The Mustangs earned their first win of the season at Regis University on Jan. 2. In the 73-66 win WNMU shot a season-best 56 percent (30-53) from the floor. Senior forward Marcus Castrillo collected 23 points and 11 rebounds against Regis as forward Steven Loucks and guard Terrez Scott each added 11. For the season, Castrillo has a team-best 11.0 ppg. while Scott slightly trails at 10.8 ppg. The Mustangs are under the direction of second year head coach Jeff Law.
About The CowboysAlso entering the weekend at 1-11, 1-7 RMAC are the Cowboys of New Mexico Highlands. The lone win thus far came on the road against Western State Colorado University back on Dec. 12. NMHU has since gone on to lose six straight. With just one senior on the roster the team consists of eight juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman. First year head coach Craig Snow has a trio of players averaging double figures. Kendrick Nichols leads the way at 18.0 ppg. as Jonathon Mines and Ricky Norris average 14.0 and 11.2 ppg., respectively.
Last We MetThe Grizzlies went 3-1 against WNMU and NMHU a season ago with the only loss coming by way of a 90-87 score against NMHU from Las Vegas, N.M. In the three victories, ASU held a +25.6 scoring margin. The largest win was a 102-67 decision at home against WNMU. In the blow out win, four ASU players reached double figures as the team shot 63 percent (36-57) from the floor and 47 percent (11-23) from three.
Stay ConnectedFor any updates regarding Adams State athletics stay connected with
www.asugrizzlies.com! Updates are also available through the Grizzlies official Twitter (@ASUGrizzlies) and Facebook (/TheAsuGrizzlies) accounts.
Team PostersFans, team posters are available online at www.asugrizzlies.com . Navigate to the 'Fan Zone' at the top of the ASU home page to find our 'Team Posters' link. Team posters will be updated and added over the course of the year. Hard copies of posters are also available at the ASU athletic office.
