Alamosa, Colorado — Adams State falls short in a close matchup against Western Colorado University 84-76. A close game all the way until the last buzzer, the Grizzlies fell short in holding a first-half lead leading to their tenth loss of the year. The loss drops the Grizzlies to 14-10 overall, and 9-6 in RMAC play.

The Grizzlies had strong performances from Kiiyani Anitielu, Ri'Ahana Davis, and Taejhuan Hill who combined for 62 of the Grizzly 76 points. Anitielu led the Grizzlies attack with 24 points but Davis and Hill were not far behind scoring 20 and 18 points respectively. Hill also had a great night on the boards collecting 13 rebounds giving her yet another double-double on the year. This gives Hill twelve double-doubles on the year. Davis was also able to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball collecting 3 steals on the night leading the Grizzly defense.

Adams State struggled to shoot the ball effectively in the second half which allowed the Western Colorado offense to take the lead and seal the win. Adams State was only able to shoot 34.38% from the floor, and 25% from behind the 3-point line, whereas Western Colorado was able to shoot 53.33% from the floor and 42.86% from behind the 3-point line.

Foul trouble was also a killer for the Grizzlies. The two leading scorers, Kiiyani Anitelu and Ri'Ahana Davis, both collected five personal fouls, which allowed the Western offense to score 15 points from the free-throw line.

One of the key difference makers for the Western offense was their ability to score points off the bench. Western collected 15 points off the bench compared to the Grizzlies 4. The Grizzlies dealing with injuries were held to a short bench which forced their starters to play extended minutes and limit their ability to score points off the bench. Even with a short bench, the Grizzlies were able to show tremendous fight and toughness keeping the game close the entire game. The Grizzly defense shined, forcing 15 Western Colorado turnovers and helping a struggling offense keep the team in the game throughout.

Adams State will look to bounce back and take a huge win as Westminster University comes to town this Saturday, February 15th. The game will take place in Plachy Hall and be played at 1PM MST.