ALAMOSA, Colo. (February 12, 2016) – Adams State University began their final weekend of home games with a solid 85-78 win over Colorado State University-Pueblo. The conference win is the first over the ThunderWolves since the 2012-13 season.

The Grizzlies (12-11, 11-7 RMAC) opened the game on a 9-2 run but it was the ThunderWolves (14-10, 10-8 RMAC) who controlled most of the opening half. The early ASU lead soon vanished as CSU-Pueblo quickly answered to take the lead before the first media timeout. As the ThunderWolves continued to click offensively the Grizzly offense did the opposite and registered just two made field goals during a six minute span. ASU's woes allowed CSU-Pueblo to jump ahead 26-14 for their largest lead of the game. The Grizzlies did fight back to enter halftime trailing, 37-36.

The ThunderWolves opened with a 13-2 run to begin the second period.  Helping to push ASU back into contention were EJ Hubbard II and Bryan Umoru who combined for 24 second half points. As a team the Grizzlies also took advantage of their free throw opportunities by shooting 86.4 percent (19-22). With a boost in production, ASU eventually took a 58-57 lead with a DJ Morgan free throw with 12:22 remaining. In the minutes that followed momentum easily shifted back and forth with a total of eight lead changes.

With an 8-0 run, the Grizzlies were able to seize control and cruise to victory which was aided by making 15-of-16 free throws in the final ten minutes.  

"I was very proud of the guys the way they changed their mind set in the second half and brought a whole lot more energy. It was really the difference for us." Head Coach Russ Caton said after the game.

Shakir Smith and Morgan each finished with 18 points to lead ASU as Hubbard II chipped in 15. Joe Bell Austin and Umoru contributed 11 points apiece to give the Grizzlies five double digit scorers on the night.

Next up for ASU is Western State Colorado University tomorrow night at 7:30pm. The rival game also serves as Senior Night for the program who will honor Austin, Grover, Vitor Machado, and Smith during a ceremony prior to tip-off.