Grizzlies come up short against Moberly in OT thriller

The West Plains Civic Center was the place to be on Saturday evening as the Grizzlies took on No. 23 Moberly Area Community College in an exciting overtime contest.

Eventually the Greyhounds would come out on top 102-97.

"Our guys played well enough to win," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp said. "Several self-inflicted key mistakes in key moments make it feel like this is one we let slip away."

Popp pointed to two key factors in the game. "Always with Moberly it comes down to taking care of the ball and keeping them off the glass."

The Grizzlies were haunted by turnovers, finishing with a season high of 26. They also gave up 19 offensive rebounds.

"Those two areas convert into points for them," Popp said.

Three turnovers in overtime resulted in six quick and easy baskets for the Greyhounds, which put the game out of reach.

On a positive note, sophomore guard Sardaar Calhoun played his best basketball game in a Grizzly uniform. He finished with a career-high 48 points and matched his career-high with eight rebounds.

"When Sardarr plays with that kind of energy, he goes to a whole other level. It was fun to watch," said Popp.

Freshman forward Alex Rodrigues also turned in an impressive performance, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds and going six for 10 from the floor.

"Alex has come a long way this season, and his best basketball is ahead of him," Popp said.

Postseason begins Tuesday

The game was the final regular season contest for the Grizzlies. They finish with a 10-20 overall record and as the fourth seed in the Region 16 Championship Tournament. They will host No. 5 seed State Fair Community College (15-13) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Joe Paul Evans Arena in the civic center in the quarterfinal round game.

Since Tuesday's game is a post-season event, there will be no advance ticket sales, officials said. All tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students. Children five and under get in free.

The winner will play first seed Mineral Area College (29-1) at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at Lincoln University in Jefferson City in semifinal action. The Cardinals are ranked sixth in the nation.

The championship game is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Lincoln University.

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