Alamosa, Colo. – Adams State had a dominant performance in the fourth quarter to seal a 61-48 victory over Midwestern State Saturday night. The game, marked by physical defense and a seesaw battle in the early quarters, saw Adams State rise to the occasion in the final period, outscoring Midwestern State 21-10 to capture the win.
The first half was tightly contested, with Adams State trailing by a slim margin of 22-21 at halftime. Both teams struggled offensively in the early going, with each battling turnovers and shooting challenges. However, Adams State's aggressive defense and relentless pursuit on the boards eventually paid off. They snagged 18 offensive rebounds and forced 27 Midwestern State turnovers, using these extra opportunities to gradually pull away in the second half.
Leading the charge for Adams State was forward Taejhuan Hill, who posted an impressive double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Hill's ability to dominate in the paint provided Adams State with second-chance points and proved essential as the Grizzlies built their lead. Ri'Ahana Davis added 11 points, going 5-of-13 from the field, and grabbed eight rebounds of her own, showcasing her versatility on both ends of the floor.
Adams State's defense was a critical factor in the win. The team recorded 13 steals, with Elaina Watson and Kiiyani Anitielu each contributing to the defensive effort, while their four blocks helped contain Midwestern State's inside game.
Despite a slow start from beyond the arc, Adams State found other ways to score. Though they shot only 5-of-26 from three-point range, their inside scoring and fast-break points proved decisive. Adams State also made 12-of-20 free throws, which helped maintain their lead as the game wore on. The Grizzlies scored 20 points off turnovers and 26 points in the paint, underscoring their advantage in close-range scoring.
"We did a really good job getting the ball to the high post in that 4th quarter. That allowed us to get some rhythm on offense vs. their zone. Elania Watson and AI made big plays down the stretch to help us start a run. I am proud of how we rebounded the ball, RiRi and TT really made it personal to crash the boards tonight. We still have a lot of work to do but these girls are relentless and found a way to win," said Head Coach Mario Caetano.
Midwestern State's standout performer was Zarria Carter, who led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, along with 10 rebounds. However, the lack of scoring support from her teammates ultimately hampered Midwestern State's efforts.
Adams State's victory brings them to a 2-1 record for the season. With this performance, the Grizzlies look poised to carry their defensive prowess and rebounding strength forward as they prepare for upcoming non conference play in the Lonestar Conference.
