LAKEWOOD — What started off as a three-point shooting contest turned into a free throw shooting contest here at the Colorado Christian University Events Center on Sunday evening as the Grizzlies defeated the Cougars 82-78 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) action.

Adams State opened with an early lead, as Nykolas Lange scored a deep three-pointer that was assisted by Rylan O'Brien.  Destan Williams added to the Grizzlies' lead with a layup to make the score 10-5. The Cougars fought back and closed the lead to 22-19.

Within the last five minutes of the first half the Grizzlies and Cougars switched back and forth taking the lead, but the Cougars managed to take the lead 45-42 ending the first half.

The Grizzlies start off the second half strong with Lange shooting a three-pointer to tie the score before O'Brien broke the tie with another three-point shot. It was an intense second half as both teams battled it out and continued to trade the lead.  Adams State played stellar defensively, as they blocked several shots by the Cougars to maintain their nine-point lead with ten minutes left on the clock.  In the last five minutes of the game, the Cougars battled back and closed within two points, before the Grizzlies sealed the win with free throws.

The Grizzlies were led by Williams and O'Brien who both scored 20 points.

The Grizzlies will be traveling to Pueblo Colorado to take on Colorado State University on Jan.6 with the tipoff scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m