GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (December 10, 2016) – Momentum swung both ways on Saturday night for Adams State University during a 91-82 road defeat to Colorado Mesa University from Brownson Arena.
The Grizzlies (5-5, 2-2 RMAC) held a 39-23 lead with 6:01 left in the first half as
Shane Johnson helped position ASU out in front. Johnson came off the bench for 17 points in the first half while shooting 4-of-4 from three. The junior finished the contest with a game-high 22 points.
Adams State went into halftime with a 49-27 lead behind a 51.4 percent (18-35) shooting clip.
The game's narrative soon changed as the Mavericks (2-8, 1-3 RMAC) made it a closer affair in the second half.
The Grizzlies still held control immediately following halftime but the Mavericks began chipping away with the shooting of James Sylvester and CJ Davis. The aforementioned duo combined for 23 points in the second half with a high percentage of that coming from the free throw line. Sylvester and Davis shot a combined 16-of-19 (84%) from the charity stripe in the second half.
For a while, the Grizzlies were able to counter any Maverick runs but it was Colorado Mesa who eventually tied the game at 65-65 with 6:33 remaining. The Mavericks immediately followed with an 11-1 run which was broken up by a
Bryan Umoru three-pointer with 1:49 left and CMU now holding a 76-69 lead. The Umoru three ended a six minute field goal drought for ASU.
After the Umoru three, the Grizzlies were forced to foul to stop the clock and send CMU to the free throw line. The offensive woes continued as Adams State was unable to make up any ground; sending the game to its final score of 91-82.
Sly posted 19 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds in the loss as Umoru added 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
The Grizzlies now return home to face No. 20 Fort Lewis College on Dec. 13
th at 7:30pm.
