ALAMOSA, Colo. - New Mexico HIghlands' men's basketball team used a strong, second-half effort and some clutch points down the stretch to hold off Adams State 89-80 in Plachy Hall Feb. 3.

The win moves the Cowboys' record to 9-13, 7-9 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. ASU falls to 3-18, 1-14 in the RMAC.

NMHU had a 12-point lead with less than four minutes left in the game. ASU's Kolby Walker converted an old-fashioned 3-point play, then added a four-point play, and the Grizzlies trailed by just four points with two minutes left.

Ezichi Kalu of the Cowboys made a layup to give his team some breathing room. But Alex Hurr's 3-pointer kept the Grizzlies within range. NMHU's Dante Moses converted a three-point play to keep Adams State at arm's length and give his team a seven-point advantage with 40 seconds left.

Maison Adeleye led the Grizzlies with 21 points. Walker finished with 14. Dante Moses led the Cowboys with 23 points. Tyler Rodgers added 15.

The two teams' field-goal percentages were just about the same. NMHU made one more field goals than did the Grizzlies. ASU made one more shot from beyond the 3-point line, but Highlands made eight more free throws. The game featured five ties and 10 lead changes.

Adams State entertains CSU-Pueblo at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in Plachy Hall.