GOLDEN, Colo. (March 1, 2016) --  The 2015-16 season came to a close Tuesday night as Adams State University fell, 78-69, in RMAC Tournament quarterfinal action against Colorado School of Mines.

The Grizzlies (13-15) held tight early but the Orediggers (23-6) eventually pulled away in the second half by shooting 59 percent while controlling the boards to the tune of a 40-26 rebounding edge for the game.

Despite Shakir Smith catching fire with 16 second half points the Grizzlies were unable to find a defensive answer as the Orediggers' Gokul Natesan, Caleb Waitsman, and Adam Laine retaliated to combine for 32 points while collectively shooting 11-of-13 from the field. As a result, the Orediggers' 40-33 halftime lead quickly grew to double digits.

After shooting 5-of-5 for 11 points in the opening stanza, Kendyl Grover was held in check moving forward. The senior registered only four points in the second half with playing time diminished due to foul trouble.

Adams State held the lead briefly on two occasions thanks to Joe Bell Austin. With a free throw less than two minutes into the game Austin gave the Grizzlies a 6-5 advantage. Austin later gave ASU a 17-16 lead with a three-pointer at the 12:47 mark in the first half.

Smith led all players with 25 points as Grover chipped in 15 points and 4 rebounds. Austin and DJ Morgan finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

CSM's Laine led the Orediggers with 19 points as Natesan followed with 18.

For the game, the Grizzlies shot 42.6 percent (23-54) from the field, 25 percent (5-20) from three, and 78.3 percent (18-23) from the free throw line.
The Grizzlies lose the services of seniors Vitor Machado, Smith, Austin, and Grover but return six players with varsity playing experience.

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