GUNNISON, Colo. (December 9, 2016) – A barrage of late three-pointers by Western State Colorado University made things interesting for Adams State University but it was the Grizzlies who walked away with a 75-71 road victory.
The Grizzlies (5-4, 2-1 RMAC) led by 17 points midway through the second period but the Mountaineers (2-5, 1-2 RMAC) climbed back and made it a slim 71-68 ASU lead after a Ben Beauchamp three-pointer with 18 seconds left. Western State made 8 trifectas after halftime with 7 coming in the last 10:23 of play.
After Beauchamp's three, the Grizzlies responded with four
Brandon Sly free throws as Western State was forced to foul to stop the clock. Will Duggan drained yet another three-pointer with two-seconds remaining to bring the game to its final score of 75-71.
"Very proud of these guys in never giving up." Head Coach
Russ Caton said following the game.
In the win
Brandon Pasker collected his second double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Bryan Umoru added 15 points and 8 rebounds with
Jarrett Givens and Sly providing 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Shooting from three-point territory was not in the cards for Adams State as they shot 1-of-16 (6.3%). With deep shooting in a rut, Pasker charged the efforts down low as the Grizzlies finished with 50 points inside the paint. Western State was unable to match the feat with just 28 points in the paint. Adams State also benefitted from Western State's sloppy play by tallying 18 points off 17 WSCU turnovers.
For the game, ASU shot 38.6 percent (27-70) from the field and 71.4 percent (20-28) from the free throw line. Western State shot 38.7 percent (24-62) from the field and 66.7 percent (14-21) from the line. Although the Mountaineers caught fire late, Western State only shot 29 percent (9-31) from downtown.
Beauchamp posted a game-high 25 points along with 10 rebounds in a losing effort for Western State.
The Grizzlies take on Colorado Mesa University tomorrow at 7:30pm from Grand Junction.
For any future updates on ASU men's basketball, stay connected with www.asugrizzlies.com
