Alamosa, Colorado — The Grizzlies started Conference play with a tough match-up against No. 13 ranked Colorado School of Mines, coming up short 84-79 on Thursday night.

Jude Tapia led the Grizzlies with 27 points, having a great shooting night going 10-18 from the floor, and 5-9 from behind the arc. Tapia also collected two rebounds and one assist in the conference opener. Ta'Veus Randle finished with a double-double, scoring 10 points and collecting 10 rebounds. Along with Randle's double-double, he also collected two assists and two steals showing his all-around game on the court. Luke Williams and Wyatt Helming, also added 12 and 11 points off the bench respectively, shooting a combined 11-19 from the floor.

Adams State came out strong in the first half, starting the game on an 8-0 run. The Grizzlies' strong start was due to lights-out shooting in the first half, finishing 58.82% from the floor, and 62.5% from 3PT, taking a 46-42 lead at halftime. The Grizzlies found success from behind the arc, scoring 15 of their 46 first-half points, and 27 points total from 3PT.

The Grizzlies played a tough second half but fell short at the end with two costly turnovers on back-to-back possessions. As well, the Orediggers' tough inside game with 11 offensive rebounds, cost the Grizzlies late in the game leading to the Oredigger win. Although the Grizzlies took a tough loss, their defense shined, holding the Orediggers to 43.7% from the floor, and 29.2% from 3PT for the game.

Adams State falls to 4-4 overall, and 0-1 in Conference, returning to play Saturday for another tough Conference match-up, against Metropolitan State University of Denver, at home, at 3 p.m.