LAS VEGAS, New Mexico — In a Thursday night back-and-forth game, the Grizzlies fell to New Mexico Highlands 86-85. The loss for the Grizzlies puts them at a record of 6-4(1-2 RMAC). 

Thursday night's game was about as close and back-and-forth of a game as you can have. During the game, there were 16 lead changes and 8 ties. Either team could have easily won tonight's game, with the small differences between the two teams being the final piece in who was able to win the game. 

Ultimately, the story of tonight's game was an offense by the Grizzlies that struggled to shoot efficiently, compared to a Cowboys team that was able to stay consistent and efficient in shooting the basketball. Offensively, the Grizzlies struggled to make 3-point shots, playing a major factor in their lack of consistent offense. On the night, they shot 25.9%, going 7-27 from behind the 3-point line. Although the Cowboys also struggled from behind the 3-point line, they only took 12 3-point shots, giving them the opportunity to be efficient elsewhere. The Cowboys did exactly that, finishing the game shooting 61.8% from the floor, creating a big gap between them and the Grizzlies, who finished at 42.2%. 

Even with the Grizzlies' shooting struggles, they were extremely efficient from the free-throw line and forced a multitude of steals through their defensive pressure. Overall, the Grizzlies were able to shoot 85.7% from the free throw line, making 24-28 shots, while also forcing 25 Cowboy turnovers with their 14 total steals. With this strong defense, the Grizzlies could have easily won tonight's game with a little more consistency from behind the 3-point line. 

Individually, the Grizzlies were led by Jarmell Johnson and Luke Williams. The two young men combined for 48 of the Grizzlies' 85 points, with Johnson leading the way with 34. Johnson was unfortunately the only Grizzly starter who was efficient shooting the basketball tonight, finishing the night 10-14 from the floor, while going 4-6 from behind the 3-point line, and 10-10 from the free throw line. Johnson also added 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Williams scored the other 14 points between the two Grizzlies while also adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals on the night. William's 5 steals lead the Grizzlies tonight, followed closely by teammate Jaylen Alexander, who collected 4 steals on the night. Between Williams and Alexander, the two collected 9 of the Grizzlies' 14 steals. 

With the Grizzlies looking to bounce back in their next game, they will play Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. The game will be played on December 13th, at 3 PM MST. Saturday's game will be a great opportunity for the Grizzlies to make up ground in the early RMAC standings as Fort Lewis is currently 3-0 in RMAC play. With a win on Saturday, the Grizzlies would be able to gain some momentum before they go to Texas next week for two non-conference road games. Tune into the Grizzlies game this Saturday at 3 PM MST on the RMAC network to watch Adams State take on Fort Lewis College.