Grizzlies go 1-1 at Grizzly Thanksgiving Classic

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team split its games at the Grizzly Thanksgiving Classic Basketball Tournament this past weekend at the West Plains Civic Center.

The Grizzlies (4-8) defeated a scrappy National Park College team from Hot Springs, Arkansas, 63-62 in a nail biter Friday night, but fell to a hot handed Western Texas College from Snyder 92-77.

In Friday's game, the Grizzlies started strong and built a 35-26 halftime lead, but the Nighthawks chipped away at that lead in the second half, eventually taking a 4-point lead with three minutes remaining in the game.

Some clutch free throw shooting and tough defense by the Grizzlies, however, allowed the home team to overtake the Nighthawks down the stretch and secure the victory.

"I thought our defense was the best it has been to this point," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.

Sophomore forward Mo Kora led the charge for the Grizzlies on the scoreboard, netting a career high 21 points.

"It was good to see Mo do well," Phay said. "I think he can build on (this performance)."

In Saturday's game, the Grizzlies had no answer to the Westerners' perimeter scoring attack. "Western Texas shot the ball extremely well. I actually thought we played hard and tried to guard them, but they had multiple guys shoot it well," Phay said.

Sophomore Gary Clark led the Westerners with 26 points.

Sophomore guard Byron Breland led the Grizzlies with 24 points, and sophomore guard Mehdi Pissis added 17.

The Grizzlies open Region 16 play Wednesday when they host arch rival Three Rivers College of Poplar Bluff at 7 p.m. in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.

"At this point, it doesn't matter if we have lost all our games or if we are undefeated. Our real season starts Wednesday, and we need to be ready," Phay said.

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