ESPANOLA, N.M.—A 20-point, 14 rebound performance from Kayla Harris and a 15-point, 13-rebound showing from Kaitlyn Bell helped the Adams State University Grizzlies open the 2021-22 campaign with a 17-point exhibitionwin on Friday night here at the Eagle Memorial Sportsplex. The Grizzlies defeated the NAIA-affiliate Northern New Mexico College Eagles 68-51.

The Grizzlies and Eagles struggled to score throughout the first quarter but the Eagles capitalized on some small shots to lead 10-7 after one frame.

The Grizzlies came out on fire in the second half and shot 55.6 percent (10-of-18) from the field and outscored the Eagles 28-12 to take a 35-22 lead to the break.

In the second half Adams State held Northern New Mexico at bay only allowing them to pull within seven points once.

As a team Adams State shot 39.1 percent (25-of-64) from the field while hitting just four 3-pointers. They hit 56 percent (14-of-25) of their shots from the free throw line. As a team they had 48 rebounds, 16 steals and 14 assists.

In addition to Harris' double-double, she was two steals away from a triple-double as she finished the game with eight.

Adams State will be back in action on Monday when they host Oklahoma Panhandle State University inside Plachy Hall in an exhibition game. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m.