ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies Men's Basketball team squeaked out a thrilling victory against Northern New Mexico College, in what was a tightly contested rematch from just a week ago against the Eagles, this time at Plachy Hall. It was not the prettiest of wins for the Grizzlies, but they were able to hang on and secure the 75-74 victory Saturday night.
 
For the Grizzlies, it took a team scoring effort to get the victory, as four players finished the game in double figures, and all scored under 20. Perhaps the most notable of the bunch was transfer Logan Longo who came off the bench to lead all scorers with 17. In the first half, Longo was able to hit a handful of timely three pointers late in the possession to, at times, bail the Grizzly offense out. Longo converted all six of his free throw attempts on the night, and was a much needed perimeter weapon for the Grizzlies in the game.
 
Forwards Rickey Norris and Kaelin Crane who have been two of their most consistent key players on the year both finished the game with 14 points. Norris played a huge role particularly on the defensive end, as the crafty veteran was able to draw big charges on defense as well as stop a potential game-tying shot late with a hard foul in the second half with only a second remaining. Norris had what is now the usual big night on the boards, nabbing seven rebounds. Crane did not contribute as much on the offensive end as he did last weekend, but was still the big offensive boost that the Grizzlies were looking for, as he drew fouls all night and went 10-14 from the free throw line. The junior also grabbed six rebounds, further cementing his place as one of the Grizzlies' most valuable newcomers in 2019.
 
The rematch against Northern New Mexico Saturday was a hotly contested match where tempers often flared and things got chippy. Both teams battled to the very finish on both ends but it was the Grizzlies' toughness to the end that got them the victory. In their home opener Saturday night, they were able to survive a furious second-half comeback by the Eagles and hold on for the win. With the first matchup of the year against Northern New Mexico in Durango a week ago now being labeled as an exhibition, the Grizzlies still officially sit at 2-2 on the year, but have been building momentum with three straight victories after a tough opening weekend. Now on Thanksgiving Break, the Grizzlies prepare to travel to Billings, Montana for a two-game slate against Montana State-Billings next Friday and Saturday.