ALAMOSA - The Adams State University men's basketball team (11-10, 9-6 RMAC) pulled off its biggest upset of the year tonight in front of a very supportive crowd of locals and other-sport athletes alike. A big swing of momentum pushed the Grizzlies past the Colorado School of Mines (15-5, 9-5 RMAC) by a final score of 60-54.
 
With only one game this week, all focus was on upsetting the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's fourth ranked team and hand them a fifth loss on the season. The Grizzlies were absolutely up to that challenge. A low scoring first half gave Adams State a 23-18 halftime edge. In the half Mike Thomas recorded four blocks in five minutes.
 
ASU would hold the lead for nearly 10 minutes into the second half before Michael Glen hit a jumper to give Mines the 36-35 lead. That lead would change hands five times over the next five minutes setting up a 52-48 lead for the Grizzlies with only 2:54 remaining in the game. The Orediggers would respond with a three out of a timeout to cut it to one. Jarrett Givens then responded with a three of his own and the game seemed comfortable for the home team. However, Mines was not ready to go away and hit yet another three with 53 seconds remaining. Shane Johnson would answer with a layup followed by several misses from CSM and the Grizzlies would wrap it up from the free throw line to win by six.
 
The biggest stat of the game was the combined 20 blocks between the teams. Unfortunately it was Mines with 11 and Adams with nine. Felix Scheytt set a top five Colorado School of Mines block record with six. The Grizzlies created 16 points off 12 turnovers and converted on 11 fast break points. Mines could not cash in on a single turnover point. ASU also dominated in the paint, gaining 34 second chance points and winning the rebound battle 42-36.
 
Jarrett Givens performed wonderfully for the home team as he put up 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and connected on 3-5 three point shots. Mike Thomas and Shane Johnson added 13 and 12 points respectively while combining for 11 rebounds and five blocks. Luke Schroepfer and Michael Glen combined for 29 points and six rebounds for the visitors.
 
The Grizzlies will host CSU-Pueblo next Friday at 7:30PM and New Mexico Highlands next Saturday at 7:30PM.