Grizzlies pick up key road win against State Fair

It's never easy to win on the road, but when you do, especially against a region foe, it can pay dividends down the road.

That's what the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team is hoping after taking a 76-73 decision over Region 16 rival State Fair Community College Wednesday night at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center in Sedalia.

The Grizzlies, now 7-3 overall and 2-1 in region play, trailed for much of the game. After being down as much as 11 points in the waning minutes of the first half, the Grizzlies battled back to only trail by 5 points at the break, 35-30.

MSU-WP continued to claw their way back in the second half, taking advantage of free throw opportunities to make up some of the difference. For the game, the Grizzlies hit 17 of 23 attempts from the charity stripe while the Roadrunners hit four of eight.

Key turnovers and some big shots by sophomore point guard Martaveon Jones also helped the Grizzlies pull ahead in the second half for the win, Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.

"It was a tough road game, and road wins are tough to come by," Phay said. "We really had to find a way to win when it wasn't our best night offensively."

Jones led the Grizzlies in scoring with 18 points. He also added three assists to his tally sheet. Sophomore guard Ian Lopez added 16 points to go with his five rebounds, and freshman guard Scooter Williams pumped in 15.

"We didn't shoot very well overall, but Martaveon hit some big shots for us," Phay said. "Ian and Scooter did a good job of getting to the rim and scoring."

The Roadrunners were led on the scoreboard by Lavric Mangala with 16 points.

Next game Monday night

The Grizzlies return home Monday night to host Region 16 archrival Three Rivers College at 7 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. The Raiders will be looking to avenge their Feb. 13 loss at home to the Grizzlies.

"Three Rivers is very talented and have all the pieces to beat anybody," Phay said. "I am sure they will be fired up to play us, since we got them at their place." 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seating will be limited at the game, and social distancing and masking will be required throughout the event for everyone age 10 and above, Phay reminded. Children age 2 to 9 are highly recommended to wear a mask, he added.

Those planning to attend should have their masks on when they enter the civic center. Masks will need to remain on throughout the game.

Ushers will be available to answer questions, and signage will be placed to help with seating. Every other row will be blocked off and three seats will be required between groups if seated in the same row.

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