by By Madyson Schliep
Alamosa, CO — The Adams State Grizzlies battled until the final buzzer but fell to the MSU Denver Roadrunners, 70-64, in a closely contested RMAC matchup at Plachy Hall on Saturday.
The game featured seven ties and three lead changes, with both teams showcasing grit and determination. Adams State (6-5, 1-1 RMAC) opened strong, outscoring the visitors 17-9 in the first quarter, propelled by Kiiyani Anitielu’s three-point shooting and Elaina Watson’s ability to attack the basket. However, a second-quarter surge by MSU Denver (2-6, 1-1 RMAC) shifted momentum, with Nevaeh Millard leading the charge.
Millard’s game-high 19 points and Brianna Sealy’s 16-point, eight-rebound performance anchored MSU Denver’s comeback. The Roadrunners capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points off 16 Adams State giveaways, a decisive factor in the game.
Adams State’s defense shone early, forcing 11 steals and recording three blocks, but MSU Denver’s dominance on the boards (49 rebounds to Adams State’s 28) proved crucial. Despite the defensive efforts of Angelline Nageak and Watson, who combined for nine steals, the Grizzlies struggled to convert opportunities in the paint, shooting just 31.9% from the field.
Watson finished with 17 points, including two three-pointers, while Anitielu added 19 points to pace the Grizzlies. The team’s depth, however, was tested, with just five points coming from the bench.
MSU Denver pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, fueled by clutch baskets from Mikylah Espinosa and Ashlyn Yow, who combined for 24 points. Despite a late rally by the Grizzlies, capped by Taejhuan Hill’s layup with five seconds left, the Roadrunners’ efficient free-throw shooting in the final minute sealed the victory.
