ALAMOSA, Colo.— The Grizzlies showcased commendable effort, yet their second-half performance resulted in a narrow defeat against Western Colorado, with the final score being 73-72.

In the first half, Adams State exhibited a strong start with aggressive offensive plays and solid defensive efforts. Led by players like Austin Fadal and Destan Williams, Adams State maintained a slight lead over Western Colorado through precise shooting and effective ball movement. They capitalized on scoring opportunities with well-executed layups and three-pointers, while also demonstrating resilience on defense by contesting shots and forcing turnovers. Additionally, their ability to secure rebounds and limit Western Colorado's offensive rebounds helped them maintain control of the game.

As the game reached its climax, Adams State found itself in a tense battle. Cameron Kimble stepped up to the challenge, shouldering the burden of crucial free throws with the game's fate hanging in the balance. Displaying exceptional poise, Kimble adeptly sank both shots, narrowing the point differential and reigniting his team's hopes for a late-game comeback. However, despite their valiant effort, Adams State fell just short of surpassing Western Colorado's score, with the final tally standing at 73-72 in favor of the opposition.

Williams' three-point shooting was impressive, making 3 out of 4 attempts for a 75.0% accuracy. Williams grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and recorded 3 steals while committing 1 turnover. With an efficiency rating of 18.0, he scored a total of 19 points. Fadal, meanwhile, managed a 45.5% shooting percentage and sank 1 out of 3 three-point attempts, shooting at 33.3% from beyond the arc. Fadal contributed 1 assist and 1 steal but committed 2 turnovers. He ended the game with an efficiency rating of 9.0, scoring a total of 13 points.

Next up, the Grizzlies are preparing for a crucial RMAC showdown against South Dakota Mines scheduled for February 23rd at 7:30 p.m. at Plachy Hall.