SILVER CITY, New Mexico — Adams State Men's Basketball opened its 2026-27 season Monday evening, traveling to Silver City, New Mexico, to take on Western New Mexico University. The Grizzlies battled throughout the contest but ultimately fell to the Mustangs by a final score of 96-72 at Drag's Court. With the loss the Grizzlies move to 0-1.
In tonight's game the first half ultimately was the deciding factor with Western New Mexico establishing control early, putting together a strong offensive first half to take a 57-33 advantage. The Mustangs shot 58.1% from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 60% from beyond the arc, while converting 18 of their 22 free-throw attempts. Adams State continued to compete offensively, but the Grizzlies offense never fully kicked into gear in the first half, shooting 32.4% from the field, 25% from beyond the arc, and 50% from the free throw line.
The second half was a completely different story. The Grizzlies showed improvement coming out of the locker room, matching the Mustangs point-for-point in the second half. Adams State scored 39 points, while holding Western New Mexico to the same total. The Grizzlies improved their shooting percentage, connecting on 38.5% of their field-goal attempts in the second half and converted five of their six free throws giving them a much more balanced overall half.
Defensively is really where the Grizzlies shined in the second half, holding the Western New Mexico offense to 28.57% from beyond the arc while also only allowing them to get to the free throw line three times in the entire half. Despite the stronger second-half performance, Western New Mexico maintained its advantage to secure the 96-72 victory.
Individually for the Grizzlies, Ta'Veus Randle led the way offensively with 13 points, connecting on 5 of his 13 field-goal attempts while knocking down two three-pointers. Rondell Lewis III followed with 12 points off the bench, shooting 5-of-9 from the field while also collecting three blocks. Elsewhere, Oscar Sabine added nine points, while Emilek Jallow and Keagan Caton each contributed seven points.
As a team, Adams State finished with 72 points on 27-of-76 shooting from the field, including seven three-pointers. The Grizzlies also recorded 39 rebounds, 11 assists, six blocks, and seven steals. Adams State found success attacking the basket, scoring 38 points in the paint while receiving 31 points from its bench.
Looking Forward
Up next for the Grizzlies, Adams State will look to regroup and build on its second-half performance as the team returns home for its first two home games of the 2026-27 season. The Grizzlies will open their home schedule this Friday, November 13th, against Angelo State University at Plachy Hall, with tip-off set for 12 p.m. MST. Adams State will then return to the court on Saturday, November 14th, to take on the University of Texas Permian Basin at 11 a.m. MST. Come out to Plachy Hall this Friday and Saturday to support the Grizzlies as they look to defend their home court and earn their first wins of the season.
