ALAMOSA, Colorado — In a great all-around performance, the Grizzlies take the Thursday night home win against Westminster by a score of 91-76. The home win is the Grizzlies second straight win, and fifth straight win at home as they continue their outstanding play in Plachy Hall here in Alamosa. The win also puts the Grizzlies at a record of 8-5(2-3 RMAC) as they continue to climb the RMAC Conference standings as Conference play continues after the holiday break.
The story of tonight's game was the Grizzlies stellar defense, coupled with their efficient offense. Throughout tonight's game the Grizzly defense led the way as they were able to hold a solid Westminster offense to only 76 points. The big factor for the Grizzlies was their ability to create turnovers and collect steals throughout the game. Overall, the Grizzlies forced 21 Westminster turnovers while collecting 17 steals.
Leading the way on the defensive end of the ball tonight was Luke Williams who secured 7 steals for the Grizzlies. Tonight is the second time Williams has secured 7 steals in a game, as he did it earlier this season in a game against MSU Denver. Williams defense set the table for the Grizzlies as they were able to keep constant pressure on Westminster, not allowing them to ever truly breathe in tonight's game. With their suffocating defense and consistent offense, the Grizzlies were able to take the lead early tonight and never give it back as they held the lead for almost the entire game.
Offensively for the Grizzlies, they were led by Luke Williams, Wyatt Helming, Jarmell Johnson, and Jayce King. All four men finished the night in double-figures, with Williams leading the way with 22 points. Following close behind Williams was Helming who finished with 18 while having an extremely efficient night from the floor. Helming was able to finish tonight's game above 50% from both the floor and from behind the 3-point line. Helming finished tonight's game 7-13 from the floor and 4-8 from behind the 3-point line while also leading the Grizzlies with 4 3-pointers made in tonight's dominating win. Following Helming was both Johnson and King who both finished the night with 15 points. Overall, the four men accounted for 70 of the Grizzlies 92 points, while also collecting 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 10 steals.
Up next for the Grizzlies, will be Colorado Mesa in a Saturday afternoon game this Saturday, January 10th, at 3 PM MST. The game will be played at home, at Plachy Hall where the Grizzlies are currently 5-0 on the season. The game will be a great opportunity for the Grizzlies to not only continue their amazing play at home but to also get on a role in RMAC Conference play as they look to climb in the RMAC standings. With Colorado Mesa currently sitting in third place in the Conference, a Grizzlies home win would be huge in allowing Adams State to not only move up in the standings but gain some momentum that can carry them through the rest of the Conference regular season. Come out to support the Grizzlies Saturday, as they look to get yet another home win in front of their loyal fans.
