Denver – In a fast-paced and high-energy RMAC matchup, Adams State secured a hard-fought victory over Colorado Christian, 80-75, on Saturday night at Regis University where the game was moved after facility issues at the CCU Arena. The Grizzlies leaned on a dominant first-half performance and clutch plays down the stretch to notch their third conference win of the season.
The game started with a bang for Adams State, as they exploded offensively in the first half, shooting an impressive 64.5% from the field. Their efficiency from long range was particularly notable, with the team connecting on 11-of-15 three-pointers. This scorching start propelled the Grizzlies to a commanding 53-37 lead at the break. Jude Tapia stole the show, delivering a remarkable performance with 30 points, including nine 3-pointers. Tapia's ability to find space and knock down shots proved to be the driving force behind Adams State's early surge.
Despite the sizable halftime deficit, Colorado Christian showed resilience in the second half. The Cougars chipped away at the lead throughout the second half. They out-rebounded Adams State 34-23, with 11 of those coming on the offensive end. This effort led to 19 second-chance points, keeping the game competitive as the clock wound down. Bradley Land led the charge for Colorado Christian, scoring 20 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, while Promise Idiaru contributed 12 points and 5 boards.
Adams State's defense was tested in the second half as Colorado Christian pushed the tempo and sought to capitalize on turnovers. However, key contributions from across the lineup helped the Grizzlies weather the storm. Cameron Kimble's defensive presence and timely scoring, along with the energy provided by the bench, proved invaluable. The Grizzlies' bench tallied 19 points, giving the team the depth needed to maintain their edge.
Although Colorado Christian narrowed the gap in the closing minutes, Adams State's ability to make critical plays in high-pressure moments ultimately sealed the win.
The victory improves Adams State's record to 8-10 overall and 3-7 in RMAC play, providing the team with a boost of momentum as they look ahead to their next challenge. Colorado Christian, now 7-11 overall and also 3-7 in conference play, will aim to regroup in their upcoming games.
Adams State will return to Regis on Thursday to take on Rangers, aiming to build on the positives from this performance as they seek to climb the RMAC standings.
