GOLDEN, Colo. (January 8, 2016) – A comeback attempt in the second half fell short for Adams State University on Friday night against (RV) Colorado School of Mines. After trailing by 18 points, Adams State climbed within one possession late in the contest only to see the Orediggers finish strong for an 85-71 win.

The Grizzlies (5-8, 4-4 RMAC) stumbled out of the gate as the Orediggers (10-4, 5-3 RMAC) took an 11-0 lead less than four minutes into the opening stanza. The Grizzlies remained silent offensively until a Shakir Smith fastbreak layup at the 15:49 mark. Offensive production continued to be problematic as ASU trailed by double digits for most of play leading into halftime. In their first road game since Dec. 19^th, the Grizzlies shot 32.1 percent (9-28) from the field in the first half. Colorado Mines countered with a 48.2 percent (14-29) clip to take a healthy 40-28 lead into halftime.

The Colorado Mines lead grew to 18 in the early stages of the second half as the Orediggers began the period on a 10-4 run. However, from that point the Grizzlies rattled off an impressive 27-11 run to pull within two points with 8:45 remaining. During this span, six different Grizzly players scored as the team capitalized on their opportunities in the paint while converting 10-of-11 free throws.

Despite making matters close, ASU was unable to upend their opponent and take a lead as the Orediggers once again reached a double digit advantage at the end.

For the tenth time this season, Smith led ASU in scoring with 20 points as Bryan Umoru added 10 points and 7 rebounds. EJ Hubbard II and DJ Morgan each added 9 points.
The Grizzlies shot 36.1 percent (22-61) for the game and a season-high 84.6 percent (22-26) from the free throw line.

Gokul Natesan finished with 27 points to pace the Orediggers.

Adams State returns to the hardwood tomorrow night at 7pm against Colorado Christian University. The Grizzlies defeated the Cougars, 105-95, at home earlier this season.