Denton, Texas – The Adams State women's basketball team's postseason journey came to an end Friday night, as the No. 8-seeded Grizzlies fell to top-seeded Texas Woman's University, 75-52, in the opening round of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament at Kitty Magee Arena.
Facing a powerhouse opponent in Texas Woman's (32-1, 21-1 Lone Star), Adams State (19-12, 14-6 RMAC) fought valiantly but struggled to match the Pioneers' relentless pace and efficiency. TWU wasted no time asserting control, setting the tone early and never relinquishing their grip on the game.
The Grizzlies knew a strong start was critical, but Texas Woman's came out firing. The Pioneers jumped ahead with an 11-2 run, capitalizing on Adams State's early turnovers and cold shooting. By the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies trailed 23-10, facing an uphill battle for the remainder of the contest.
Despite the slow start, Adams State found their footing in the second quarter. The Grizzlies tightened up defensively and found ways to get to the free-throw line, closing the deficit some with a 13 point second quarter. Kiiyani Anitielu began heating up from beyond the arc, providing a spark that helped trim the deficit heading into halftime.
Trailing 37-23 at the break, Adams State came out determined to claw their way back into the game. Anitielu continued her strong play, scoring early in the third quarter to pull the Grizzlies within 12. However, each time Adams State gained momentum, Texas Woman's responded with a run of their own.
The Pioneers ratcheted up their defensive intensity, holding Adams State to just four made field goals in the quarter. The Grizzlies struggled to generate second-chance opportunities, getting out-rebounded 11-3 in the period. Meanwhile, TWU's crisp ball movement and interior dominance fueled a 10-of-13 shooting performance (77%) in the third, stretching their lead to 24 points entering the final frame.
Despite the daunting deficit, Adams State refused to back down. Anitielu drained her fourth three-pointer early in the fourth quarter, and Ri'Ahana Davis attacked the basket for a tough finish, briefly swinging momentum in the Grizzlies' favor. Defensively, Adams State forced turnovers that led to transition opportunities, but Texas Woman's depth proved too much to overcome.
The Pioneers' bench contributed 33 points, and their size advantage continued to wear down the Grizzlies, securing a 41-25 edge on the glass. By the final buzzer, Texas Woman's had cemented their victory, ending Adams State's postseason run.
Anitielu led the way for Adams State, finishing with a team-high 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers. The junior guard provided a much-needed offensive spark, but the Grizzlies struggled to find consistent scoring outside of her efforts.
Davis added eight points and five rebounds, while Brooke Rodgers and Taejhuan Hill chipped in six points apiece. However, offensive efficiency was an issue all night for Adams State, as they shot just 31% from the field (18-of-58) and recorded only five assists as a team.
Although this tournament run has come to an end, Adams State's ascent as a rising program is just beginning. With two consecutive postseason appearances under their belt, the Grizzlies will aim to build on their success and extend their streak next season.
