STEPHENVILLE, Texas (November 13, 2015) – A double digit lead slipped away in the second half for Adams State University in their regular season debut against (RV) Angelo State University. The Grizzlies led by 10 with 7:06 remaining but a late surge lifted Angelo State to a 75-71 win during the Texan Tip-Off Classic.

The Grizzlies (0-1) were led by Shakir Smith's 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Rams (1-0) countered with four double digit scores, highlighted by 18 points from Shelton Boykin.

Adams State began the non-conference game on a 14-3 run capped off by a Ethan Caton three-pointer but it was Angelo State who entered halftime with a 36-31 halftime lead. The Grizzlies cut the deficit, and took the lead, four minutes into the second stanza and appeared to control the tempo. Helping their cause was Angelo State's 2-for-14 shooting performance to begin the second half. The drought propelled Adams State to a 51-41 lead with 10:17 remaining.

However, the Rams shifted momentum by shooting 10-for-15 from that point on to reclaim the lead. The Grizzlies were still in a position to tie or take the lead in the final minute but shots by DJ Morgan, Joe Bell Austin, and Smith failed to reach the bottom of the nylon.

"The loss is on me, we've spent so much time on the main part of the game and very little on time and score." Head coach Russ Caton said after the loss. "We had great contributions from every player on the team, however, we're still learning to play together. If we can all get in sync, we're going to be a tough team to beat."

Adams State shot 34 percent from the field (25-72), 39 percent from three-point territory (11-28), and 52 percent from the free throw line (10-19). Angelo State shot 38 percent from the field (23-60) but made their biggest impact at the charity strip by shooting at an 85 percent clip (24-28).

The Grizzlies conclude their play in the Texan Tip-Off Classic on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. CT against No. 2 Tarleton State University. Live stats and video will be available for fans.