DURANGO, Colo. (November 18, 2016) – Adams State University led from start to finish to produce a 97-84 victory over Northern New Mexico College to open play at the Fort Lewis Classic.

Five Grizzlies (1-3) scored in double figures led by 20 points from Kevin Dorsey off the bench. Dorsey shot 8-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from downtown in just 19 minutes of action. In total, all 11 Grizzlies who saw the court scored as ASU shot 52.2 percent (36-69) from the field.

"Good contribution from a lot of guys," Head Coach Russ Caton said of his team after the game, "We still need to tighten up on our execution and defensive rotations."  

The game opened with a Bryan Umoru three-pointer as the senior then added a fastbreak layup for an early 5-0 ASU lead. However, the Eagles remained close and were able to keep the score within one possession for a good chunk of the opening stanza. The Grizzlies would take their first double digit lead with 7:10 before the half as Brandon Pasker connected on a jumper to give ASU a 27-17 lead. The Eagles did claw back to get within 3 but the Grizzlies managed to take a 45-37 lead at the break as Ethan Caton sunk a jumper of the team's final possession of the half.

The Grizzlies padded the lead to double digits after the break thanks to a team field goal shooting mark of 55 percent for the second half. The lead eventually grew to 17 late in the period as the trio of Dorsey, Pasker, and Jarrett Givens combined for over half of the team's offensive production.

For the game, Adams State capitalized to the tune of 33 points off 20 NNMC turnovers. The Grizzlies also found success down low with 48 points in the paint; 34 of which came in the second half. The Grizzlies also came alive in transition for 26 fastbreak points compared to just 10 from the Eagles.

Joining Dorsey in double digits were Pasker, Brandon Sly, Givens, and Shane Johnson.

Pasker finished with 19 points off 9-of-9 shooting from the field as Sly added 16 points and 4 assists. Givens and Johnson posted 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Jeffrey Long led the Eagles with 21 points and 7 assists in a losing effort.

The Grizzlies are back in action tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. against Embry-Riddle University (Ariz.) to conclude play at the Fort Lewis Classic.

For any future updates on ASU men's basketball, stay connected with www.asugrizzlies.com