GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—Despite celebrating her birthday with a career-high showing of 20 points and seven rebounds, Elaina Watson and the Adams State University Grizzlies could not snap their losing streak to the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks on Friday night inside Brownson Arena as they were outscored 14-6 in the final five minutes and fell 79-69.
 
The Grizzlies had no hesitation beginning the first quarter of the game, as they were quick on their feet and responsive to passes. Angelline Nageak made her way to the basket and was the first to score for the Grizzlies with a layup. Kayla Harris was quick with the rebound and made a strategic pass as Demi Black to score the first three-point shot. Full-court pressure defense by Adams State allowed the Grizzlies to build a lead 10-2, but the Mavericks responded fast and took over.
 
The Mavericks outscored the Grizzlies 24-18 in the first quarter. The Grizzlies held their ground, but the Mavericks were consistent with their shots.
 
The Grizzlies went in for halftime and were more alert than the beginning of the game. Nyeniea John was able to get her hand on a rebound and began driving up the right side of the basket and was able to go in for a layup. The Mavericks began to build on an 8-point run but with the Mavericks turnover, the Grizzlies had many opportunities to attempt to close the lead. Many attempts were made, but the Grizzlies seemed to struggle to get the ball in the basket.
 
Nicole Brown was alert on defense as she captured a rebound and stay in possession of the ball as she made her way to the basket. The Grizzlies really fueled off of rebounds but struggled to close the lead on the Mavericks.
 
The Grizzlies began to find their momentum and began to close the gap on the Mavericks in the third quarter Elaina Watson made a three-point shot that put the Grizzlies in the position to change the tone of the game. Adams State finished the quarter by outscoring them 20-15.
 
Adams State rallied and tied the game in the final quarter before the Mavericks used a 7-point run to break what was a 65-65 tie with 4 ½ minutes left to open up the pivotal gap.
 
The final score of the game was 79-69.
 
Mariah Martin set a new school-record for free throws in a game as she made all 18 of her attempts while scoring a career-high 33 points to lead the Mavericks.  She also had seen assists and six rebounds while breaking the former Maverick single-game record of 16 made free throws, set by Tonya Stites in 1994 against Adams State.
 
Danielle Turner also had a stellar game with 24 points and nine rebounds while Sophie Anderson led all players with 10 rebounds.
 
CMU has now won 20 straight games over the Grizzlies dating back to 2011.  Taylor Wagner is a perfect 18-0 against them in his career.
 
Up next for the Grizzlies is Metropolitan State University in a home match on Friday, December 31st in Plachy Hall. This will be the last game of 2021 and will start of their 2022 portion of the season right where the left off in a home match.