Grizzlies return home, pick up win over Link Year Prep

Dorothy was right when she said in The Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home."

Just ask the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team. After spending most of November on the road, the Grizzlies (2-5) returned home to Joe Paul Evans Arena Tuesday evening and picked up an 83-67 win over Link Year Prep from Branson.

Fan favorite leads the way

Local product Christian Robbins, a redshirt freshman guard, returned to the floor for the first time since the 2016-2017 season and lead the Grizzlies with 15 points.

Robbins, who went down with a season ending injury during his first stint with the Grizzlies, canned three 3-pointers in the first game of his comeback season.

"It was good to see Christian play well," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said. "He is well liked by our community, and I know he can really help us this year."

Sophomore forward Nico Hill added 13 points and seven rebounds to the Grizzlies' stat book, and freshman guard Kevon Eskridge scored 11.

The Grizzlies took the court without sophomore guard Byron "Tre" Breland, who is currently out with an injury.

"We've battled through some injuries already, but the good thing is none of them have been season ending, so at some point we will be full strength," Phay said.

Up next

Tuesday game was the beginning of a six-game home stretch for the Grizzlies. They return to the friendly confines of the West Plains Civic center this weekend to host the Grizzly Classic.

MSU-WP will play Labette Community College from Parsons, Kansas, at 7 p.m. Friday, then face Kansas City, Kansas, Community College at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Also competing in the event is North Arkansas College from Harrison, which is coached by former West Plains High School Boys Head Basketball Coach Steve Hunter.

The Pioneers will face Kansas City at 5 p.m. Friday, then take on Labette at 5 p.m. Saturday.

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