ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies Men's and Women's Basketball teams are back at home, for what will be their final home split of the season, facing off against Western Colorado on Friday and Colorado Mesa on Saturday. The Grizzlies will then be back for one final game against Fort Lewis on Friday, February 28^th, also at home.
 
On the Men's Side
 
The Grizzlies, coming off of four-straight losses last having beat Dixie State back on February 1^st, are looking to get the bad taste out of their mouths back on their home floor, as they face off against a pair of rival RMAC Schools. Friday against Western will be the second time in the 2020 season that the Grizzlies have taken on the Mountaineers, as they lost a back and forth thriller in Gunnison back on January 18^th. The Mountaineers have won three straight, and are hanging on by a thread to back their way into the RMAC Tournament. Being that the Grizzlies are mathematically eliminated, they will try and spoil their most bitter rival's season once and for all Friday night from Plachy Hall.
 
Last time the Grizzlies played Colorado Mesa back on January 17^th in Grand Junction, they went into the half nodded at 40 with the fourth-place Mavericks, feeling good about their chances in the second half. Colorado Mesa quickly put an end to that confidence, as they outscored the Grizzlies 48-36 in the second half, thanks to a flurry of Maverick second-chance buckets that broke the Grizzlies' will for good. Colorado Mesa guard Michael Skinner will be a marked man this time around, as the Grizzlies had no answer for his 20 points and 16 rebounds, which earned him RMAC Player of the Week Honors in their last matchup.
 
On the Women's Side
 
The Adams State Women's team did not fare any better than the men last time they played Western State and Colorado Mesa a month ago. Against Western back on January 18^th, they fell victim to stellar post play from the Mountaineers, and also coughed up a whopping 28 turnovers. Having played much cleaner last week in Utah, the Grizzlies hope that they can lock down their fundamentals and not have the self-inflicted wounds that downed them last time. The Mountaineers come in with an RMAC record of 15-4, and have reeled off four straight victories. The Grizzlies hope to play spoiler against their bitter rivals from down the way Friday night.
 
Against Colorado Mesa back on January 17^th, the Mavericks' offensive firepower proved to be too much for the Grizzlies, and they come into Saturday to top-ranked team in the RMAC, and as the 24^th-ranked team in the country with an overall record of 21-4. Early on in their last matchup with Colorado Mesa, the Grizzly backcourt defense was stout, pressuring Maverick scorers to give the ball up late in the shot clock. Somehow, the Mavericks managed to keep finding players open late in possessions which allowed them to keep the pressure on the Grizzly offense, who had a hard time answering. The Grizzlies hope that this time they will be able to fully complete defensive stands and force Colorado Mesa into tough shots and shot clock violations.
 
Game times for the Men's and Women's games this weekend are the same as always, with the Women slated to go at 5:30 PM with the Men's tip-off directly following at 7:30. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unopened socks for the Adams State Student Athletic Advisory Committee Sock Drive, in order to help those in need throughout the San Luis Valley.