Grizzlies unable to keep pace with Greyhounds

Missouri State University-West Plains' woes in Region 16 competition continued Monday night.

The Grizzlies found themselves down early to a hot-shooting Moberly Area Community College team and couldn't catch up, eventually falling 96-68 in the contest at Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.

The loss drops the Grizzlies' Region 16 record to 3-6 and their overall season record to 9-16.

The game, which saw the Greyhounds go up by 20 points by the halftime break, was originally scheduled for Jan. 22 but was postponed until Monday because of COVID-19 protocols.

"We have to give Moberly credit. They moved the ball well and hit the open shots," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.

A bright spot for the Grizzlies Monday night was the play of freshman point guard Sterling White, who netted 14 points.

"Sterling played well, but we do need him to score more," the coach said. "Overall, we as a team need to compete better."

Homecoming Saturday

The Grizzlies will try to regroup Saturday when they host Region 16 arch rival Three Rivers College in a rubber match game. Both teams won on their home courts in their meetings earlier this season. Tipoff is 7 p.m.

The game also will serve as the university's annual homecoming game. The 2022 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime.

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.