ALAMOSA, Colo. (January 22, 2016) – Friday night turned into an offensive shootout as Adams State University hosted New Mexico Highlands University in an exciting RMAC tilt.

Against the first-place Cowboys, the Grizzlies put forth a valiant effort but ultimately fell short, 100-91.

After a sluggish start, Shakir Smith finished with 34 points to pace the Grizzlies (7-10, 6-6 RMAC) in defeat. The senior guard caught fire late and finish at a 5-of-9 shooting clip from three-point territory. Smith's production was countered by NMHU's Kendrick Nichols who also tallied 34 points while shooting 7-of-11 from three.

After taking a 33-26 lead into halftime the Cowboys expanded their lead to double digits after a dunk by Nichols at the 17:01 mark in the second half. In the minutes that followed NMHU kept their momentum rolling to grow the lead to 15 points at 60-45 midway through the half. A series of three-pointers from Smith, EJ Hubbard II, and Joe Bell Austin inched the Grizzlies closer but they were unable to complete the comeback as NMHU sank timely buckets down the stretch to escape Plachy Hall with a victory.

Kendyl Grover put together another solid performance with 17 points and nine rebounds as Austin dished out a season-high 8 assists along with 18 points.

The Grizzlies face Western New Mexico University Saturday night at 7:30pm