DENVER - The Adams State Women's Basketball team dropped a 68-44 contest on the road Saturday afternoon at Regis. With the loss the Grizzlies are now 2-15 overall and 2-11 in the RMAC.
A 22-8 third quarter that went in the Rangers (10-8, 6-7 RMAC) favor proved to be the difference maker in the game as the home team secured a double figure win.
The opening quarter was a low scoring affair as the Grizzlies and Rangers put up just 17 combined points. Brooke Neal tied the game early, 3-3, with a layup with 7:27 on the clock but the Rangers then held them scoreless for the next five minutes while scoring five to get up 8-3.
Zakiya Beckles ended the scoring drought for Adams State with a steal for the fastbreak layup. Her shot sparked a 6-0 run, with her scoring the first four points to close out the quarter.
Beckles play along with a pair of Maddie Dorris free throws helped the Grizzlies grab a 9-8 lead going into the second quarter. The 6-0 run ate up of the final 2:54 of the first quarter but the Rangers responded in the second as they opened with a 7-0 to lead 15-9.
The Grizzlies called a timeout with 6:48 to play in the half in hopes to find some offensive rhythm but it did not develop until late in the frame. Beckles ended a 12-0 run by the Rangers and a near seven minute Grizzlies scoring drought with a three-pointer.
Adams State put up six points in the final 3:48 of the first half and held Regis to just two in that span to trail 22-15 at the break. Both teams shot under 30% in the first half and were just a combined 2-20 from three-point range. Ball security was also an issue for both squads as the Grizzlies had 13 turnovers, while the Rangers had 12.
Coming out the locker rooms, the Rangers scored the first four points to get up 26-15. Marshell Hollins then scored the next four points for the Grizzlies to keep the deficit within single digits. With 6:28 to play in the third, the Grizzlies trailed 28-19. The Rangers pushed the game back to double figures with a 10-0 run to get up 38-19.
The Regis run combined with holding Adams State to just eight third quarter points help them take a 44-23 lead into the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies surpassed their third quarter point total in the first two minutes of the fourth as they hit their first five shots.
Both squads made shots early on in the fourth quarter but the Rangers maintained a double figure lead, 58-34, at the midway point. The fourth quarter was the highest scoring of the game as the Grizzlies and Rangers combined 45 points.
Despite the final surge from Adams State, a 6-8 shooting performance from beyond the arc by Regis help them secure the 22-point home win.
Hollins was the Grizzlies leading scorer with 15 points on 6-9 made shots. She was 3-4 at the free throw line. Neal was the only other player in double figures with 11 points on 4-8 shooting.
Three Rangers scored in double figures led by Alex Nelson and Whitney Jacob with 16 points apiece. Nelson was 6-15 from the floor, while Jacob finished 4-8 and had 11 boards for the double-double. Majestie Robinson added 15 points and dished out a game-high six assists.
The Grizzlies will continue their road trip next weekend as they head to Utah. They will take on Westminster College and Dixie State on Feb. 1 and 2, respectively.
