Alamosa, Colo. – Adams State used a dominant first half and a well-balanced offensive attack to secure a 90-81 victory over Western Colorado in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action Thursday night at Plachy Hall. The Grizzlies (10-13, 5-10 RMAC) built a commanding lead early, weathered a second-half push from the Mountaineers (6-16, 4-11 RMAC), and held on for the win at home.
Adams State wasted no time establishing control, lighting up the scoreboard with 51 first-half points on 62.5% shooting. The Grizzlies' ball movement and perimeter shooting stretched Western Colorado's defense, as they connected on six of 10 attempts from beyond the arc before halftime.
Wyatt Helming made his presence felt early, scoring 13 of his 19 points in the first half while knocking down a pair of 3-pointers. Ta'Veus Randle provided a spark with sharp perimeter shooting, hitting two first-half threes on his way to a 16-point night. Meanwhile, John Harge anchored the inside game with 18 points, six assists and four rebounds before fouling out in the second half.
Adams State also capitalized on Western Colorado's mistakes, turning 12 first-half turnovers into 17 points. The Grizzlies' bench played a pivotal role, outscoring the Mountaineers' reserves 23-8 in the opening 20 minutes.
The Mountaineers clawed their way back in the second half behind a monster effort from Amar Rivers, who finished with a game-high 29 points. Western Colorado outscored Adams State 44-39 after the break, cutting the deficit to single digits multiple times.
However, every time the Mountaineers threatened, the Grizzlies responded. A timely 3-pointer from Jude Tapia midway through the second half helped Adams State maintain separation. Helming and Randle also hit crucial free throws down the stretch, with the Grizzlies converting 18 of 21 from the line overall.
Defensively, Adams State forced 15 turnovers and came away with seven steals. The Grizzlies also controlled the glass in key moments, winning the rebounding battle 30-28 despite Western Colorado's late push.
The Grizzlies' depth proved to be a major factor, with the bench contributing 37 points. Cameron Kimble provided valuable minutes with eight points, four rebounds and a key block in the second half. Luke Williams was another steady presence inside, posting 10 points and six rebounds.
Adams State shot an efficient 52.5% (31 of 59) from the field, including 10 of 20 from 3-point range, marking one of their best offensive performances of the season.
Adams State will look forward to this weekend to build on this momentum, when they take on Westminster at home at 3 p.m.
