ALAMOSA, Colorado — In a Thursday afternoon game against Black Hills State University, the Grizzlies fall by a final score of 68-66. The loss drops the Grizzlies to a record of 19-8(13-4 RMAC). The Grizzlies are now tied for second-place with Black Hills State with just three games remaining in the RMAC regular season. The Grizzlies will play one more home game, and two away games to finish their season, as they look to wrap up a second-place finish in conference before the RMAC Tournament begins at the beginning of March.
Diving into today's loss, the Grizzlies struggled offensively in the first three quarters, allowing Black Hills to jump out to a 53-41 lead going into the fourth quarter. Through the first three quarters, the Grizzlies only shot 36.2% from the floor, and 16.7% from the 3-point line. With these offensive struggles the Grizzlies were outscored 20-17 in the first quarter, 17-15 in the second quarter, and 15-9 in the third quarter. Even with their offensive struggles through the first three quarters, the Grizzlies were able to bounce back in the fourth quarter making Thursday's game a tight game coming down to the final seconds.
In the fourth quarter the Grizzlies were able to turn things around as they were able to shoot 8 for 15 from the floor, while also making 2 of their 5 3-pointers to score 25 points in the final quarter. The Grizzlies were also able to collect 5 steals and hold Black Hills to 37.5% from the floor, and 0% from behind the 3-point line to give them an opportunity in the final seconds of today's game. Overall, in the fourth quarter for the Grizzlies, they outscored Black Hills 25-15 to cut their deficit to just 2 points with 7 seconds remaining. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they were unable to get a possible tying or game-winning shot off in the final few seconds giving Black Hills State the win.
After the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies finished the game shooting 41.7% from the floor, 21.4% from behind the 3-point line, and 62.5% from the free throw line. They also forced 12 turnovers by Black Hills State, while collecting 7 steals and recording 6 blocks for a strong defensive performance.
Individually for the Grizzlies, they were led by Ashiian Hunter, Elaina Watson, and Taejhuan Hill. Leading the way for the Grizzlies was Hunter who led the Grizzlies in points with 22. Hunter finished shooting 8 for 12 from the floor, while making 4 of 7 3-pointers, and both of her free throws. Hunter also collected 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on the night giving her one of her best overall games of the season. Following Hunter was Watson and Hill who scored 10 points and 9 points respectively. For Watson, she also collected 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals giving her a solid offensive performance, and an outstanding defensive performance. For Hill, she collected 9 rebounds with her 9 points, leading the Grizzlies in rebounds on the night.
Looking forward to the Grizzlies next game, they will play Chadron State College, this Saturday, February 21st at 1 PM MST. The game will be the Grizzlies final home game of the regular season, being played at the home of the Grizzlies inside Plachy Hall. Saturday's game will be a great game for the Grizzlies to bounce back after tonight's loss, getting back on track on their way to an RMAC tournament berth. Come out to support the Grizzlies this Saturday, as they will look to lean on their outstanding home crowd to win their final home game of the regular season.
