GUNNISON, Colorado — In a Thursday afternoon game against Western Colorado, the Grizzlies fall by a final score of 70-60. Tonight's loss ends the Grizzlies eight game winning streak, and drops them to a record of 19-6(13-2 RMAC).

The story of tonight's game was the rough shooting night the Grizzlies had, as they finished 21 for 71 from the floor for a final shooting percentage of 29.6%. The Grizzlies also struggled from behind the 3-point line finishing 4 for 24 for a 3-point percentage of 16.7%. With the lack of consistent shooting, the Grizzlies were unable to ever fully come back from the 10-point deficit they fell to after the first quarter in which they only were able to score 5 points. 

After the first quarter of today's game, the Grizzlies again struggled in the second quarter as they fell down at half time by a score of 36-19 for a 17-point deficit. Thankfully for the Grizzlies they were able to respond quickly in the third quarter cutting the 17-point deficit to 3 points going into the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies out scored Western Colorado in the third quarter by a score of 26-12 to go into the fourth quarter down by 3 with a score of 48-45. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies their hot offense did not continue into the fourth quarter as the Grizzlies were out scored by Western Colorado in the fourth quarter 22-15 giving Western the win by a final score of 70-60. 

Although the Grizzlies struggled offensively throughout tonight's game, their defense allowed the Grizzlies to stay in the game until the final buzzer sounded. Throughout tonight's game the Grizzlies forced 19 Western turnovers, while they collected 10 steals and 1 block. The Grizzlies also held Western Colorado to a 40% shooting percentage and 14.3% from behind the 3-point line. With just a little more consistent offense the Grizzlies could have won tonight and will absolutely be able to bounce back in their upcoming game following the lead of their outstanding defense. 

Individually for the Grizzlies, they were led by Taejhuan Hill and Elaina Watson as they were the only two Grizzlies to finish tonight's game with double-digit points. On the night, Hill finished with 18 points, shooting 5 for 18 from the floor while making 8 of her 11 free throws. Hill also finished the night with 10 rebounds,1 assist, and 4 steals to give her yet another double-double on the year. For Watson, she finished second on the team in scoring, collecting 17 points on 6 of 15 shooting while making 5 of her 6 free throws. Watson also collected 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals leading the Grizzlies in assists and steals on the night. Between Hill and Watson, the two women accounted for 35 of the Grizzlies 60 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 steals. 

Up next for the Grizzlies will be Westminster University this upcoming Saturday, February 14th at 1 PM MST. The game will be played in Salt Lake City, Utah at the home of Westminster. Looking towards Saturday's game, it will be an outstanding opportunity for the Grizzlies to get back on track, and back on their winning ways. Even with tonight's loss, the Grizzlies still have a strong 2 game lead over Black Hills State for second place. Saturday's game will be an amazing opportunity to continue separating themselves in second place as Westminster is currently 4-11 in RMAC conference play. Support the Grizzlies as Saturday's game will be streamed on the RMAC Network.