Grizzlies lose homecoming match-up to MAC

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team came up short in its 2023 homecoming match-up against Region 16 rival Mineral Area College (MAC).

The Grizzlies (11-17) fell to a hot shooting Cardinal squad 82-66 Saturday evening, Feb. 18, at the West Plains Civic Center arena.

MSU-WP found itself down 24-13 midway through the first half and went into the halftime break at a 44-26 disadvantage.

MAC continued its scoring barrage in the second half and finished the contest hitting a blistering 62% of its shots from the field.

"We had a difficult time containing their guards and gave up too many easy shots to have an opportunity to win," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.

The Grizzlies were led on the scoreboard by freshman guard Kyle Germany with 11 points. Sophomore guard Aiden Gair dished out four assists, and freshman point guard Sterling White III and sophomore forward Gagi Gvalia each had five rebounds for the game.

MSU-WP will play Three Rivers College at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the regular season finale. Seedings and pairing for the Region 16 Championship Tournament will be determined later this week. 

Feb. 15 game vs. State Fair

The Grizzlies went into Saturday's contest after losing to region rival State Fair Community College 80-70 in Sedalia.

A sluggish start by the Grizzlies allowed the Roadrunners to gain an early 8-0 lead. The Grizzlies battled back and were only two 2 points, 35-33, at halftime.

MSU-WP quickly tied the score on the first possession of the second half on a layup by freshman forward Carlos Paul III, who scored 2 of his team high 17 points on the play.

The Roadrunners quickly answered and the Grizzlies were never able to take the lead for the remainder of the contest.

"Our effort and execution were not at the level we needed to gain a win on the road," Phay said.

Other Grizzlies scoring in double figures included White with 16 points, Gair 13 and freshman guard Kendon Peebles with 11.

Gair dished out three assists and White grabbed six rebounds during the contest.

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball team, visit the team's website at MSUWPGrizzlies.com.