CANYON, Texas — In a Friday afternoon game against West Texas A&M, the Adams State Women's Basketball team fell by a score of 80-64. The loss puts the Grizzlies at a record of 4-3 in the early season.
During the Friday afternoon game, the Grizzlies struggled to keep their offense consistent, while West Texas managed to stay steady throughout the game, building on their lead in three of the four quarters. West Texas outscored Adams State in the first, second, and fourth quarters, resulting in a final 16-point lead when the game ended. In the first quarter, the Grizzlies scored 19 points, keeping them close to West Texas, who scored 23. Unfortunately, after scoring 19 in the first quarter, their total decreased in each subsequent quarter, while West Texas remained steady outside of the second quarter. Today's second quarter was the only period in which the Grizzlies managed to gain an edge over West Texas, outscoring them 17-14.
The big differences in Friday's game were the Grizzlies' inability to collect rebounds, force turnovers, and shoot consistently from the floor. In the game, West Texas collected double the rebounds with 48 compared to the Grizzlies' 24. With the major discrepancy in total rebounds, especially offensive rebounds, the West Texas offense was able to have a multitude of second-chance opportunities with its 18 offensive rebounds. Their 18 offensive rebounds led to 19 second-chance points, which was 15 more than the Grizzlies were able to collect. On top of the rebounding difference, the Grizzlies were not able to force their normal amount of turnovers or collect their normal amount of steals. West Texas only committed 13 turnovers, which allowed their offense to roll throughout Friday's game.
Individually, the Grizzlies were led by Kiiyani Anitielu and Ashiian Hunter. Anitielu had an outstanding game despite the Grizzlies struggling as she finished the game with 26 points, shooting 7-15 from the floor, 4-8 from behind the 3-point line, and 8-8 from the free throw line. Anitielu's 26 points were her second most on the young season and were the second time this year she has scored more than 20 points in a game. Hunter finished with 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist while shooting 5-13 from the floor, 2-8 from behind the 3-point line, and 1-1 from the free throw line. Anitielu and Hunter were the only two Grizzlies to reach double-digit points in today's game as West Texas was able to hold down the Grizzly offense for most of Friday's game.
Looking forward to the Grizzlies' next game, they will look to bounce back later today in their final preconference game against Texas Permian Basin. The game will be played at 12 PM MST again in Canyon, Texas. Adams State will hope to end their tough preconference schedule with a win, taking their record to 5-3 before conference play starts next Thursday, December 4th.
