BILLINGS, Mont. – The Adams State Grizzlies Men's Basketball team dropped their second consecutive game in as many nights to the Montana State-Billings Yellow Jackets 81-95 on the road Saturday night. The Grizzlies now sit at 2-4 on the young season as they prepare to enter conference play the rest of the way.
 
After falling to the Yellow Jackets Friday night, it was time for the Grizzlies to regroup and try and come back and get a win in the second of a two game road trip against MSUB on Friday. While the offense stepped up and performed more consistently top to bottom for the Grizzlies on Saturday, they had a tough night on defense as they let 95 points in the loss, and struggled to contain the Yellow Jackets' top scorers Tyler Green and Brendan Howard, who each finished the game with 27 points. On the glass, the teams were actually as both squads had 37 team rebounds apiece, but the issue was stopping the Montana State-Billings offensive attack.
 
Kaelin Crane continues to impress in multiple aspects of his game, as the forward led all major statistical categories for the Grizzlies with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists (tied with two others) in 33 minutes of action. His efforts for the second straight night would not be enough however, as the Grizzlies fell in Billings.
 
Juwan Green and Rickey Norris headed up the supporting cast in the game, as both totaled 16 points on the scoresheet, as well as a pair of assists each. Norris logged 7 rebounds in the loss, and now has 44 total rebounds on the year. Off the bench, Szymon Walczack continues to embrace his role, as the senior guard led all bench players with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
 
The Grizzlies will need more out of their starters moving forward as they move into RMAC play. They have had an up and down nonconference schedule, and they hope to find some consistency this season on both ends of the floor. From three-point range Saturday night, the Grizzlies shot just 2 for 15 as multiple players had tough nights from deep. In an offense that features a strong backcourt, Coach Russ Caton's Grizzlies will hope to clean up this area in a hurry and really get rolling on offense. The Grizzlies' injuries to their big men have not hurt them thus far, as what they have lacked in size they have made up for in effort, particularly on the glass. With both Relando Rodgers and Jared Perry set to return, this will provide them with a much needed boost moving into RMAC play.
 
The Grizzlies will be back at home next weekend, as they are set to open up their conference schedule against CSU-Pueblo on Friday and New Mexico Highlands on Saturday. The Thunderwolves come in with a record of 2-4 like the Grizzlies, while the Cowboys have been riding high thus far at 5-0. Both games tip off at 7:30 PM from Plachy Hall.