Alamosa, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies fought valiantly but saw their RMAC Tournament run come to an end on Tuesday night, falling to UC-Colorado Springs in a nail-biting 63-60 defeat at Plachy Hall. While the loss eliminates them from championship contention, their season may not be over yet as they remain in contention for an at-large bid to regionals.
The game was a battle from the start, with both teams trading blows in a tightly contested first quarter. The Grizzlies found early success in the paint, led by Kiiyani Anitielu, who finished with a game-high 20 points and knocked down three three-pointers to keep Adams State in the fight. However, offensive struggles in the second quarter allowed UC-Colorado Springs to take control, as Adams State was limited to just 10 points in the period, heading into halftime down 34-26.
Coming out of the locker room, Adams State responded with a renewed sense of urgency. Christabel Longe was a force in the paint, tallying 10 points, 8 rebounds, and a crucial block to help spark the Grizzlies' comeback efforts. Ri'Ahana Davis and Brooke Rodgers also played pivotal roles, combining for 19 points and key defensive stops that kept the game within reach.
In the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies showed their resilience, outscoring UCCS 17-14 in the final frame. They cut the deficit to a single possession multiple times, but late turnovers and missed opportunities at the free-throw line proved costly. UCCS capitalized on Adams State's miscues, with Amyah Moore Allen leading the charge for the Mountain Lions, finishing with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
With the clock winding down, Adams State had one final shot to tie the game, but a contested three-pointer at the buzzer fell short, sealing their fate. Despite the disappointing finish, the Grizzlies showed heart and grit in their fight to the very end.
Now, Adams State must shift its focus to Selection Sunday, where their 19-11 overall record and strong RMAC performance will be considered for an NCAA Division II regional tournament bid. With their season still hanging in the balance, the Grizzlies will hope that their body of work is enough to earn a spot and keep their championship dreams alive.
