ALAMOSA, Colo. (November 10, 2016) – Adams State University returns to the hardwood for tournament play at the Texan Tip-Off Classic Nov. 11-12. The Grizzlies will face No. 10 Tarleton State University and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB). Tarleton State will serve as the host school for the four team tournament field.

Following the weekend tournament, the Grizzlies remain in the Lone Star state for a non-conference matchup with No. 20 Midwestern State University on Nov. 14^th.

Game Forecast
11/11 @ 6pm MT | Adams State vs. #10 Tarleton State (Texan Tip-Off Classic)
11/12 @ 1pm MT | Adams State vs. UTPB (Texan Tip-Off Classic)
11/14 @ 6:30pm MT | Adams State vs. #20 Midwestern State

Last Time Out
A new cast of Adams State players quickly introduced themselves to Grizzly nation during a hard fought 88-83 loss to Grand Canyon University on Nov. 3^rd. The contest served as the program's lone exhibition game of the 2016-17 season. The Grizzlies finished the game shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from downtown but made their biggest impact at the free throw line. Adams State made up for their early struggles to finish 35-of-46 (76%) from the line.
 
Bryan Umoru produced a game-high 24 points behind a perfect 10-of-10 effort at the line. The senior also added 10 rebounds to notch a double-double.  Szymon Walczak added 11 points off the bench with all points coming from the charity stripe. The Grizzlies picked up 15 steals compared to GCU's 6. Adams State also held the edge in rebounds (42-41) with 16 coming off the offensive glass.
 
About The Texans
With the loss of their top four scorers from last season, Tarleton State opens their 2016-17 regular season against the Grizzlies. In their 77-49 exhibition win over Southwestern Christian on Nov. 6^th, 10 players scored as Josh Hawley notched a team-high 19 points. Romond Jenkins had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Texans are coached by Lonn Reisman who enters his 29^th season at the helm. Reisman holds 613 career wins making him the sixth active NCAA Division II head coach to surpass 600 career wins. The Texans were tabbed to finish 2^nd in the Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll. Last season the Texans and Grizzlies met at the Texan Tip-Off Classic with Tarleton State taking an 84-77 win.

About The Falcons
The Falcons were tabbed to place 9^th in the Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll after finishing 15-14 overall last season. The program returns its top scorer in Johnnie Lacy who averaged 18.3 points per game as a junior. Sam Stirgus also returns from a junior season where he averaged 9.7 points per game. The Falcons are under the direction of head coach Andy Newman.

About The Mustangs
No. 20 Midwestern State lost their top three scorers from last season but turn to senior Sheldon Hagigal to lead the way. Last season Hagigal posted 9.2 points per game. The Mustangs are coming off a Lone Star Conference championship last season under head coach Nelson Haggerty. The team title pushed Haggerty to his second conference coach of the year award (2012 & 2016). Last season the Mustangs and Grizzlies met in Alamosa on Nov. 21 with Midwestern State pulling out a 95-87 win.

Season Outlook
The Grizzlies were picked 12^th in the RMAC Preseason Coaches' Poll on Oct. 11^th. Adams State received 57 total points in the poll as Colorado Mines was tabbed to finish first with 186 points and 5 first-place votes. Joshua Blaylock of Fort Lewis College was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Gokul Natesan of Colorado Mines was picked Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Looking Ahead
After their three games in the state of Texas, the Grizzlies turn to the Fort Lewis Classic, Nov. 18-19. The Green & White will face Northern New Mexico College at 5:30pm on Nov. 18^th and conclude with a Nov. 19^th meeting with Embry-Riddle University (Ariz.) at 3:30 p.m.  
 
Stay Connected
For 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 Posters
Fans, 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.