ALAMOSA, Colo. (January 13, 2017)—A 13-point halftime lead for Adams State University turned into a nail-biter but a costly turnover with five seconds left by South Dakota School of Mines & Technology sealed a thrilling 60-59 victory for the Grizzlies on Friday night from Plachy Hall Gym.

All early signs pointed to an Adams State (7-10, 4-7 RMAC) win as Shane Johnson and Bryan Umoru led the Grizzlies to a solid start. The duo combined for 23 of the team's 32 first half points as the Hardrockers (9-8, 5-6 RMAC) struggled to gain any type of traction.

A pair of Johnson free throws with 4:10 remaining before halftime gave ASU their first double digit lead of the game while the Hardrockers struggled offensively by shooting 30 percent (9-30) in the first half. The Grizzlies ultimately went into the locker room holding a 32-19 lead with all momentum pointed their direction. The 19 points allowed became a single-game best for ASU.

A replay review that ended in ASU's favor became a turning point for South Dakota School of Mines who climbed back into the contest and eventually tied the game at 44-44 with a Brian Orr three-pointer with 11:25 remaining. The Hardrocker lead grew to 4 points in the minutes that followed before ASU answered back with free throws. A jumper and three-pointer from J.R. Tailey on back-to-back possessions then turned the lead back to ASU. Despite Tailey's efforts the Hardrockers fought back as the teams then exchanged the lead to set up a thrilling finish.

With 30 seconds left a Caleb Wroten layup pushed ASU ahead 60-58. The Hardrockers' Konor Kulas went on to make one of his two free throw attempts to then make it 60-59 in the closing seconds. An immediate Hardrocker foul sent Szymon Walczak to the line but the freshman was unsuccessful on his attempt to give the ball back to South Dakota School of Mines with six seconds remaining. Marco Pascolo pushed the ball up the court for South Dakota School of Mines but turned the ball over to ASU as time expired.

"We played about 30 minutes of good basketball but we need to take better care of the ball. Proud of the way our guys fought for the win." Head Coach Russ Caton said after the game. 

Umoru led ASU with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. Johnson added 13 points off the bench along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Brandon Sly posted 12 points as Wroten chipped in his best performance of the season with 8 points and 12 rebounds.

The Grizzlies are back in action tomorrow night at 7:30pm against Black Hills State University.