DENVER – Adams State fought to the finish but ultimately could not overcome a 12-point deficit and dropped a 75-68 decision at MSU Denver on Thursday.
 
The Grizzlies dropped to 1-4 overall and in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, while MSU Denver improved to 4-3 and 3-2.
 
Laura Gutierrez had 13 points, while Angelline Nageak and Haley Eaves each scored 11. All three came off the bench for the Grizzlies, who finished with 44 points from non-starters.

Gutierrez (3-for-7) and Eaves (3-for-6) combined to 6-for-13 from 3-point range, part of a 9-for-25 night from long range for Adams State.
 
Paiton Demps had a strong all-around game with four points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Elaina Watson added six points, three rebounds, two assists and five steals.
 
Though MSU Denver never trailed and stretched its lead to as many as 12 points in the first half, Adams State repeatedly made comebacks.
 
After trailing 45-35 at halftime, and 52-40 midway through the third quarter, Adams State put together a quick 10-0 run to pull within 52-50.
 
The Roadrunners stretched the lead back to 60-50 at the end of the third quarter, and were up 66-54 with 7:32 to play. But Adams State went on an 8-0 run to make it 66-62.
 
Then MSU Denver's Maggie Justinak hit a 3-pointer with 2:55 to go to spark a 7-1 run to give the Roadrunners a 73-63 lead with 1:03 to go.
 
The Grizzlies forced 23 turnovers but were outrebounded 47-26.
 
Allie Navarette (18 points, 15 rebounds) and Morgan Lewis (10 points, 13 rebounds) each had double-doubles for MSU Denver, while Justinak scored 17 points and Kendra Parra had 15.
 
The Grizzlies will return to action on Monday, Jan. 11 when they open up a two-game series with UCCS. Adams State will make up a December COVID-19 postponement on Monday at UCCS with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. before hosting the Mountain Lions on Thursday (Jan. 14) at 5:30 p.m.