SALT LAKE CITY (January 15, 2016) — For the second consecutive game Adams State University held total control en route to a conference road win. The Grizzlies held the lead for nearly the duration of a 79-60 triumph over Westminster College on Friday night.
 
Shakir Smith continued his torrid pace with a game-high 24 points including a 4-of-9 mark from three-point range. The senior was joined in double figures by teammates Kendyl Grover, DJ Morgan, and Joe Bell Austin with 14, 12, and 10 points, respectively. Austin also dished out 6 assists while collecting 4 rebounds as Morgan notched 10 of his 12 points in the first half. Grover also had a monster opening stanza with 12 points in his first game since Jan. 2.
 
The Grizzlies (7-8, 6-4 RMAC) distanced themselves early via a 15-2 run to create a double digit margin by the halfway point of the first half. The Griffins (8-6, 4-6 RMAC) chipped away to reach within 10 but ASU halted any danger by closing the half strong to possess a 40-26 halftime lead.
 
After a rather quite start, Smith found a groove with 17 points after the break. Combine that with a trio of early Grizzly three-pointers and the lead quickly grew to 21 points at 49-28. Smith went on to give ASU their largest lead of 24 points with a layup at the 12:06 mark. The Griffins reached no closer than 16 points moving forward as the Grizzlies secured their fifth road win of the season.
 
Westminster shot a dismal 9.1 percent (2-22) from three-point territory along with a 35.2 percent (25-71) clip from the field. Zerrior Payton collected 18 points and 9 rebounds for the Griffins. Brandon Warr added 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
 
The ASU defense limited Westminster to 60 points; their third lowest point production in a game this season.
 
With a double digit lead throughout, head coach Russ Caton was able to rotate in 11 players with none exceeding 30 minutes of action.   
 
The Grizzlies will play next on Saturday, January 16 against Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo. The game is slated for a 7:30 tip-off. Live coverage will be accessible for fans by following www.asugrizzlies.com .