ALAMOSA – Adams State University men's basketball team fell to the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Friday evening by a score of 83-81. The Grizzlies (7-8, 5-4 RMAC), will look to recover against MSU-Denver (7-7, 6-2 RMAC) tomorrow evening at home.
 
Despite a 13 point halftime lead, the Mountain Lions found the bottom of the basket in the second half a few too many times. After surrendering the lead for the first time, Shane Johnson missed a dunk attempt to tie the game, but the team was able to get the lead with 2:50 left on the clock. With the game tied at 81 points apiece with 50 ticks left on the clock, UCCS drove the ball down the court. Guard Elijah Ross tossed a lob up to Jonathan Barnes that sailed high, but with 26.5 second on the clock Shane Johnson was called for holding Barnes on the way up, sending Barnes to the line. Frustrated with the call, Frederick Jackson was given a technical foul for voicing his opinion, sending UCCS to the line with four free throw attempts.
 
Ross took and made the first two free throw attempts, what would end up being the difference in the game. Barnes missed the first free throw, then his teammate was called for a lane violation as Barnes sank his second free throw, keeping the game at a two-point affair.
 
On the ensuing drive, Sly took a three point attempt that fell short, but luckily Barnes traveled after earning his sixth rebound. On the inbound with nine seconds left, Sly lobbed a pass to Jackson, but Barnes swatted it out of bound. With 6.5 seconds left, the Grizzlies tried to inbound the ball to Sly, who was immediately swarmed and had to dish it to Szymon Walczak. Walczak was unsuccessful in tying the game, as he drove in and made contact.
 
Despite the loss, Sly and Johnson erupted for a combined 51 points. Sly had a game-high 27 points, followed by Johnson's 24. The duo also dished out nine assists and boards.
 
The game was a tale of two halves, with the Grizzlies dominating the first half shooting 60 percent from the field and 61 percent from beyond the arc. Visa-versa, UCCS shot just 39 percent from the field in the first half and 25 percent from deep. The second half was flipped, as the Grizzlies were 32 percent from the field, 14 percent from deep and let the Mountain Lions shoot 63 percent from the field and 75 percent from downtown.