ALAMOSA, Colo.—The Adams State Men's Basketball team opened conference action at home as they competed against New Mexico Highland University in a very close game. The Grizzles had some stiff competition but held their ground as they won 85-81. They ended up hitting 18-of-19 free throws in the game and outscored the Cowboys 49-43 in the second half for the come-from-behind win.
Opening in the first quarter Cole Acreneaux got the momentum going for the Grizzlies as he was the first person to score. The remainder of the quarter was built off intensity as the Grizzlies shifted back and forth across the court to try and close the gap the Cowboys made early in the game.
Kaelin Crane kept the Grizzlies engaged in the game as he had a few shots himself back-to-back. The Grizzlies began to close the lead on the Cowboys, but they did not let them off that easy.
Rylan O'Brien played an impressive defense as he managed to get a rebound, and Crane made a jumper ending the first half 38-36 with the Cowboys having a slight lead on the Grizzlies.
Stating off the second half, the Grizzlies came back into the game with a motive to close the lead on the Cowboys. O'Brien made strategic passes to prevent the Cowboys from scoring. Arceneaux made his way to the basket as Malik More assisted him to a three-point shot. The Cowboys brought some tough competition onto the Grizzlies but as the game progressed the Grizzlies continued to rally in points.
Adams State did what it could to stay in the very intense match, with the Grizzlies closing in on the Cowboys lead.
Jordan Notch made a layup with the assist of
Cody Fredrickson putting the score at 52-49 keeping it a close game.
The Grizzlies felt the pressure as time began to run out and made it their focus to take the lead.
Malik Moore set the tone as he made a three-point shot with the assistance of his teammate
Jordan Notch. The last five-minutes of the game the Grizzlies kept their rhythm going as multiple shots were made. Despite the Grizzlies efforts to close the lead for each shot the Grizzlies made the Cowboys would make one in return keeping the game balanced.
The last three minutes of the game began to amplify as the Grizzlies took the lead with a shot by
Nykolas Lange.
Kaelin Crane kept the Grizzlies in the lead and with a final free throw shot by
Cody Fredrickson the Grizzlies took the win 85-81.
Adams State's scoring was quite balanced. Moore led the way with 25 points.
The Grizzlies will be back on their home court tomorrow Dec. 4 as they will take on University Of Colorado Spring with tipoff beginning at 7:30 p.m.
