LAS VEGAS, N.M. - The Adams State Men's Basketball team suffered its' first conference loss to New Mexico Highlands this evening. The loss drops the Grizzlies to a 2-6 record this season, 2-1 in the RMAC.
It was an even game in the first 10 minutes of the first half. The Grizzlies held a one point lead over the Cowboys, 17-16. Both teams were dead locked throughout the first half. The largest lead of the half was eight, 38-30 Grizzlies.
The Cowboys cut the Grizzlies lead to six going into halftime. Adams State led New Mexico Highlands, 44-38 at the break. The Grizzlies shot nearly 52% from the field, while shooting 45% from beyond the arc. Adams State held New Mexico Highlands to just 47% shooting in the first half.
The Grizzlies' first half lead was quickly erased in the first two minutes of the second half. A 13-3 run gave the Cowboys a 51-47 lead. The Grizzlies quickly found themselves playing from behind, down nine with five minutes gone in the second half.
The Cowboys lead would get up to 12 before the Grizzlies started fighting back. An 11-2 run brought the Grizzlies to within three of the Cowboys, 70-67. The Grizzlies kept it close for the remainder of the game.
The Grizzlies brought the Cowboys' lead down to just two points with just under three minutes remaining. Back-to-back baskets by the Cowboys increased their lead to six over the Grizzlies. Adams State brought the lead down to four, but a three point make by Raquan Mitchell sealed the victory for the Cowboys. The Grizzlies fell just short in a close one, 100-95.
Adams State finished the night shooting 56% from the field and 45% from three. The Grizzlies bench outscored the Cowboys 48-11 for the game. Adams State accumulated almost half of its' points in the paint with 44.
The Grizzlies had two players score over 20 points in the game. Shemar Johnson led the team with 28 points, going 11 for 18 from the field. John Dewey finished with 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds for the Grizzlies.
New Mexico Highlands finished the game shooting nearly 60% from the field and 50% from three. The Cowboys had three players finish with over 20 points in the game. Raquan Mitchell led the team with 24, while Gerard Davis and Nnamdi Okoro finished with 21 and 20 respectively.
The Grizzlies are back at home next weekend for a pair of conference games. The Grizzlies play Black Hills State Friday followed by South Dakota School of Mines on Saturday.
