GUNNISON, Colo. – The unfriendly confines of Paul Wright Gymnasium flexed enough to help the Western Colorado Mountaineers open up Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) action with a narrow 77-76 overtime win over the visiting Adams State University on Friday night.
 
With the loss, Adams State's losing streak extends to five games. They are 2-5 overall and are 0-1 in the RMAC.
 
Coming out of a media timeout with 2:53 left in regulation and the score tied at 62-62, it came down to free throws with nine seconds left and senior Destan Williams sank two free throws with 7.7 seconds remaining to tie the game. After Western Colorado timeout, a wild three-point shot at the buzzer sent the game to overtime.
 
In the five minutes of free time, a 5-of-6 showing from the free throw line gave the Grizzlies a three-point lead, 76-73 with 1:16 remaining. The Mountaineers missed a three-point shot with 52 seconds before Sampson came up with his second pivotal block. After a 1-of-2 shooting at the free throw line a huge turnover set up the play of the game with 11.6 seconds remaining.
 
As the Mountaineers emerged frim the huddle a Spencer Wright step-back three pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining made the score 77-76.
 
The Mountaineers jumped out to a 9-0 lead entering the first media timeout, however the Grizzlies were able cut back to the lead on a 6-0 run including a huge steal and assist from Baron Holman to hit Austin Fadal his first field goal.
 
After a few trips up and down the court and a trade of treys, the Grizzlies pulled within one, 12-11, with just over 13 minutes remaining. They took their first lead of the game with 11:32 showing on the clock when senior Destan Williams hit a layup.
 
Statistically, Adams State was 26-of-57 (45.6 percent) from the field including 7-of-17 (41.2 percent) from beyond the arch. The Grizzlies were led by Austin Fadal, who scored 21 points. In total, five Grizzlies finished with double digit points.
 
Adams State will return to action at Fort Lewis College on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m..
 
They will then host CSU Pueblo (Fri., Dec. 8th at 7:30 p.m.), New Mexico Highlands (Sat. Dec. 9th at 7:30 p.m.), and Colorado Mesa (Fri., Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m.).