Grizzlies remain tough at home with win over State Fair

There's no place like home. 

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzlies basketball team continues to perform well on its home court.

Saturday the Grizzlies defeated State Fair Community College 89-75. With this win, the Grizzlies improve their record to 8-11 on the season and 2-1 in conference play. The Grizzlies also improve to 8-4 in the Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center this season. 

The Grizzlies entered this game shorthanded missing key players Muhammed "Mo" Kora and the team's second leading scorer Kevon Eskridge, so it was all hands on deck. Freshman guard Sebian Dillard took advantage of his first game as a starter and led the team in scoring with 20 points, including four three pointers. 

"Sebian has not been healthy for a good portion of the season, and we have really missed his scoring ability," Grizzly head coach Jared Phay said. 

The Grizzlies also saw big games from sophomore forwards Nico Hill and Byron "Tre" Breland, who both added 13 points. Freshman forward Ugo Eze had one of his better performances on the season with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Hill helped Eze on the boards, pulling 8 rebounds himself.  

"Overall, I thought our effort was good and we really moved the ball well offensively, which I was pleased to see" Phay added.

An important Region 16 clash ahead

With the win against State Fair, the Grizzlies move into a three-way tie for first place after Three Rivers Community College defeated Mineral Area College on Saturday. This sets up an important matchup for the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Mineral Area, which enter the contest ranked 14^th nationally with an overall record of 14-4. 

Tip-off is at 7 p.m. in Park Hills at the Bob Sechrest Field House.

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