Grizzlies to host Roadrunners today in key Region 16 contest

The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team will host the State Fair Community College Roadrunners in a key Region 16 contest at 7 p.m. today in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.

The Grizzlies defeated the Roadrunners 89-84 Jan. 22 at Sedalia in their first meeting this season, and they're hoping to pick up another much needed win. The Grizzlies are now 9-18 overall and 1-4 in region play. The Roadrunners, who are 14-10 overall, also are 1-4 in region play.

"This is a big game for us in a number of ways – two teams with the same region record vying for position going into the region tournament," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp said.

"We went to their place and got the best of them. I am certain they will come in determined to do the same," he added.

Sophomore Night

Wednesday's game also will be Sophomore Night. Prior to the game, the team and fans will take a few moments to recognize the contributions this year's sophomore members have had on the program, Popp said. They include guards Sardaar Calhoun, Taevon Horton, D'Andre Vilmar and Eric Stafford and forwards Alex Peterson and Quentin Jones.

"I have been extremely fortunate to coach this group," Popp said. "These are truly quality young men who have given a lot to the program and represented our institution very well."

Raiders game

The Grizzlies are hoping to get back on the winning track Wednesday evening after falling to Three Rivers College 97-82 Saturday in Poplar Bluff.

An eight-minute scoring drought in the first half combined with 24 turnovers during the game hampered the Grizzlies' efforts to earn the win over the Raiders.

"It was disappointing to say the least, especially as we seemed to be playing our best basketball," Popp said of the loss. "There are several things to point to. Defensively, we gave up easy baskets early, allowing them to get a rhythm. When a team shoots 57%, add in 24 turnovers and the answer to the equation is a loss."

The Grizzlies shot 37.5% from the field while the Raiders hit 56.7% attempts for the game.

A bright spot, however, came at the free throw line where the Grizzlies sank 34 of 44 attempts for 77.3%. The Raiders went 12 of 18 from the charity stripe for 66.7%.

"That is a place where we have struggled this year," Popp pointed out. "Free throws win and lose games."

Four Grizzlies scored in double figures. Horton led the way with 15 points, followed by freshman forward Alex Rodrigues and freshman guard Malik Tidwell each with 14, and Peterson 11.

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