by By Eric Flores
iALAMOSA, Colo. – Stellar defense in the final 14 seconds of Saturday night’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) women’s basketball game helped the Adams State University Grizzlies return to the win column after knocking off the No. 10/9 ranked-Colorado School of Mines Orediggers, 69-68.
Amidst eight lead changes in the fourth quarter alone, Adams State was trailing 68-67 with a mere 23 seconds, a drive to the paint by Harmanie Dominguez proved to be the game-winner with 14 seconds. As a scramble ensued and an eventual three-point shot at the buzzer was off.
With this win, the Grizzlies improve their overall record to 15-7, with an impressive 10-4 standing in the RMAC. Their sharp shooting from beyond the arc, converting nine out of 17 three-point attempts, coupled with a commendable display of ball control, committing only 10 turnovers, played pivotal roles in securing the victory.
The Orediggers, meanwhile, saw their record drop to 18-3 overall and 3-2 in the RMAC, despite a solid performance at the free-throw line, going 17-of-19, and dominating the rebounding battle with a 41-24 advantage. However, their shooting efficiency, limited to 34-percent from three-point range and 40-percent from the field, ultimately proved insufficient to overcome the Grizzlies’ relentless pressure.
Despite Mines’ early 10-2 lead, Adams State fought back with tenacity, forcing five turnovers and embarking on a 7-0 run to narrow the gap. By the end of the first quarter, they had leveled the score at 15 apiece. The second quarter saw the Grizzlies’ defense shine, holding Mines to just three field goals while exploding for 25 points themselves, establishing a commanding 40-30 halftime lead.
Though Mines mounted an 11-0 run in the third quarter, Adams State maintained their composure, entering the final quarter with a narrow 52-50 advantage.
Leading the charge for the Grizzlies were Kiiyani Anitielu, who tallied 22 points, and Riri Davis, who contributed 19 points to the team’s victory.
