DENVER, Colorado — The Grizzlies dominate MSU Denver to win their first conference game of the year. The final score of today's game was 87-59, as the Grizzlies took an early first-half lead and never gave it back, playing outstanding basketball on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Today's win puts the Grizzlies at a record of 6-3(1-1 RMAC).
Today's game was a true showcase of both the great offense and great defense of the Grizzlies, as they dominated on both sides of the ball. The first half was when the Grizzlies first took control of today's game, taking a 10-point lead by scoring points off turnovers and second-chance points. Both the Grizzlies and the Roadrunners shot below 40% from the floor in the first half, but with the Grizzlies' ability to create turnovers and gain second chances through their hard work on the offensive boards, they took the lead in the first half and never gave it back. Overall, the Grizzlies finished with 17 second-chance points and 31 points off the 24 turnovers they forced, giving them the advantage throughout today's game both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
In the second half, the Grizzlies truly took over as both their offense and defense caught fire as they shot 45.45% from the floor, 90% from the free throw line, and 46.67% from the 3-point line while holding MSU Denver to only 28 second-half points. With 46 second-half points and this outstanding defense, the Grizzlies were able to finish the game with a 28-point final lead after a dominating second-half performance.
Leading the way today for the Grizzlies were Dillan Baker, Luke Williams, Wyatt Helming, and Jayce King. Baker finished the game leading the Grizzlies in scoring with 21, having an extremely efficient night, shooting 8-13 from the floor and 4-5 from the 3-point line. Baker also collected 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal during the game. Williams was tied for second on the Grizzlies in scoring with 16, while also leading the team in steals, collecting 7 steals. Williams also collected 9 assists and 5 rebounds, giving him an outstanding overall game. Helming had a similar all-around great performance as he finished the game with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals. Rounding out the double-digit scorers for the Grizzlies was King, who finished tied with Williams with 16 points in today's game. King was great from behind the 3-point line as he finished tied with Baker with the team lead in 3-pointers made with 4. Overall, the combo of Baker, Williams, Helming, and King combined for 66 of the Grizzlies' 87 points.
The Grizzlies will look to continue their dominating play next week when they take on a 1-8 New Mexico Highlands team next Thursday, December 11th. The game will be played at 7 PM MST and will allow the Grizzlies to get onto a roll as conference play gets into full swing.
