Men's Basketball | 11/20/2016 12:46:00 PM

ALAMOSA, Colo. (November 20, 2016) – After five games on the road, Adams State University returns to the friendly confines of Plachy Hall Gym for their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 22^nd vs. Northern New Mexico College. Tip-off is slated for 7:30p.m.

It will be the final non-conference matchup for Adams State during the 2016-17 regular season. Live coverage links can be found above.

Last Time Out
The Grizzlies went 2-0 over the weekend at the Fort Lewis Classic in Durango. On Friday night, ASU notched their first win of the season by taking down Northern New Mexico, 97-84. ASU led from start to finish as five Grizzlies 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.

The following night, ASU took down Embry-Riddle University (Ariz.), 95-84, to complete their Fort Lewis Classic schedule. Shane Johnson was responsible for the team's initial 12 points thanks to 4 three-pointers. Johnson finished with a game-high 24 points as Jarrett Givens added 16. J.R. Tailey kept busy with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Grizzlies led for the majority of the game although Embry-Riddle kept matters close.

Leading The Way
Through five games, Brandon Sly leads the team with 14.4 points per game and 5.0 assists per game. Givens ranks second on the squad with 13.6 points per game while shooting 52 percent from the field and 48 percent from downtown. Bryan Umoru chips in 12.0 points per game as the lone upperclassmen returning for 2016-17. Johnson and Brandon Pasker add 13.2 and 10.4 points per game, respectively.

As a team, the Grizzlies post 86.4 points per game but are allowing 91.4 points per game.

Scouting The Eagles
Northern New Mexico enters Alamosa with a 2-6 record. The Eagles began the season 2-0 with wins over Embry-Riddle and California Miramar University but have since dropped their last 6 contests. In 4 of their losses the Eagles have allowed 100+ points to their opponent. The Eagles and Grizzlies met on the hardwood last week at the Fort Lewis Classic with Adams State winning, 97-84. Tuesday will mark the sixth meeting between the Eagles and Grizzlies since the 2013-14 season. Northern New Mexico participates as a NAIA institution and is a member of the Association of Independent Institutions (AII).  

Looking Ahead
After the Thanksgiving break, the Grizzlies remain home to open RMAC play against New Mexico Highlands University and Colorado State University-Pueblo. Both games are scheduled for a 7:30p.m. tip-off. Last season Adams State went 1-1 against CSU-Pueblo but dropped both of their games against New Mexico Highlands.

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.
 
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.