ALAMOSA, Colorado — In tonight's Thursday night game against Westminster University, the Grizzlies come out on top by a final score of 76-64. Tonight's win puts the Grizzlies at a record of 11-4(5-0 RMAC). With a perfect 5-0 conference record the Grizzlies continue their great start to conference as they continue to lead the Conference tied with Colorado Mesa.
In tonight's game, the Grizzlies strong defense and constant pressure allowed them to pull away in the second half giving them their 12-point win. Throughout tonight's win the Grizzlies were able to create 16 Westminster turnovers, while collecting 12 steals. These 16 Westminster turnovers and 12 Grizzly steals led to 26 points off of turnovers for the Grizzlies. This constant defensive pressure was led by Elaina Watson and Kiiyani Anitielu who were tied with 3 steals each to lead the Grizzlies. Following close behind with 2 steals was Jada Price and Kya Blakley. The four women were a strong force defensively collecting 10 of the Grizzlies 12 steals in tonight's win.
Offensively, the Grizzlies were able to separate themselves through their efficiency on the offensive end. On the night, the Grizzlies were 27 for 61 from the floor for a 44.3% shooting percentage compared to Westminster who were 22 for 66 from the floor for a 36.4% shooting percentage. The Grizzlies were also able to make 6 more free throws compared to Westminster who only made 11 free throws compared to the Grizzlies 17.
Leading the way for the Grizzlies offensively tonight was Taejhuan Hill, Elaina Watson, and Kiiyani Anitielu. Hill led the way for the Grizzlies with 17 points, shooting 6-10 from the floor and 5-7 from the free throw line. Following close behind was Watson who finished the night with 15 points on an extremely efficient shooting night, finishing 6-9 from the floor, 1-2 from behind the 3-point line, and 2-3 from the free throw line. Both Hill and Watson played a big role in the rebounding for the Grizzlies as Hill finished the night with 9 rebounds, while Watson finished the night with 7 rebounds. Anitielu finished the night third in scoring for the Grizzlies, finishing with 12 points while shooting 5-12 from the floor and 2-3 from behind the 3-point line. Overall, the trio of Hill, Watson, and Anitielu totaled 44 of the Grizzlies 76 points, along with 19 rebounds and 7 steals leading the way for a Grizzly win.
Looking towards the Grizzlies next game, they will again play at home in a huge game against Colorado Mesa. The game will be played at 1 PM MST, this Saturday, January 10th. The game against Colorado Mesa will determine who continues to lead the RMAC at the top of the Conference, as both Adams State and Colorado Mesa are currently 5-0 in conference play. Come out to support the Grizzlies this Saturday, as they look to continue their hot start to Conference play while also taking hold of the top spot in the RMAC Conference standings.
