LAS VEGAS, N.M. (February 4^th, 2017) --- The Adams State women's basketball team's misery is over. The Grizzlies (2-18) went to New Mexico Highlands (2-18) tonight and came away with their first conference victory by a final score of 72-70.
 
As usual, the Grizzlies came out strong in the first, leading by as many as 5 points and taking a 17-14 lead into the second period. New Mexico Highlands would come surging back in the second, outscoring Adams 21-13. The halftime score was 35-30 in favor of the Cowgirls. Lejla Hadzialijagic led ASU at the half with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals.
 
Looking to erase the third period woes that had haunted them all season, the Grizzlies came out determined in the second half. Late in the third, Cydney McHenry drained a three pointer to tie the game at 50. With seconds remaining in the period, Cheyenne Cleveland nailed another three at the buzzer to give Adams State a one point lead entering the final quarter. The fourth was extremely tight and was not settled until the final horn. Down by one, Lejla Hadzialijagic hit a layup and was fouled with only seconds remaining. After converting her free throw, the Grizzlies held a two point lead with nine seconds remaining in the game. The Cowgirls' Kaylani Maiava attempted a layup at the buzzer but the shot did not fall, giving Adams State their first win since November 16^th, 2016.
 
The Grizzlies played great defense on the night, turning 17 turnovers into 22 points. Lejla Hadzialijagic led the defense with 4 steals and a block. Offensively, Adams played great offensive team basketball with four players hitting double digits in scoring. Cydney McHenry, Brianna Reyna, Lejla Hadzialijagic, and Nicole Broyles-Mortensen all scored 12 points or better and combined for 6 assists and 14 rebounds.    
 
Coach Larry Joe Hunt had this to say about his team's performance tonight: "I thought we did a good job in transition. We shot well and ran the press as well as we have all year."
 
The Grizzlies return home to face Colorado Mesa on February 10^th and Western State on February 11^th.       
 
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