LAS VEGAS, N.M. (February 4, 2017) – Brandon Sly's 26 points and 6-of-10 shooting from three led Adams State University during an 85-81 defeat to New Mexico Highlands University on Saturday night.

Bryan Umoru was also an offensive threat as the senior posted 17 points and a 5-of-9 clip from downtown in a conference game that featured 18 lead changes.

The Grizzlies (10-13, 7-10 RMAC) stormed out of the gate shooting 52.9 percent from the field in the opening stanza but cooled off after halftime shooting 33.3 percent. The opposite was the case for the Cowboys (9-13, 7-10 RMAC). New Mexico Highlands shot 44.8 percent in the first half but gained traction in the final 20 minutes by shooting 56.6 percent.

The duo of Sly and Umoru both went 3-of-4 from three in the first half as Adams State closed the period on a 10-2 run to take a 46-37 lead into halftime.

The Cowboys reclaimed the lead early in the second half after a Kieran Woods layup to push ahead, 55-54. The lead went back-and-forth moving forward which set up a close finish. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies were unable to duplicate their strong first half finish as it was the Cowboys who seized momentum late. A Ron Lawton three gave NMHU a 79-76 lead with 3:01 remaining. The Lawton three served as a turning point as the Grizzlies were unable to tie or reclaim the lead after that.

A Kevin Dorsey layup with 15 seconds left cut the NMHU lead to one but the Cowboys converted three of their four free throw attempts after that to seal the win.

J.R. Tailey and Szymon Walczak finished with 16 and 10 points, respectively, to give ASU four players in double figures. In defeat, the Grizzlies had a season-low 8 turnovers and shot a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line.

Adams State returns home for three consecutive games in Plachy Hall Gym to close out their 2016-17 home schedule. First up is a matchup with Colorado Mesa University at 7:30pm on Feb. 10^th.

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