Grizzlies can't overcome Raider defense

Despite battling valiantly, the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team dropped another key Region 16 contest Saturday night.

The Grizzlies, now 3-7 in region play and 9-17 overall, couldn't overcome the suffocating defense of the Three Rivers College Raiders and lost 63-48 in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.

Despite the Raider defense, the Grizzlies found some open shots during the contest, but they were few and far between.

"Overall, our defensive effort was good, but we struggled to hit shots," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said. "We have to give Three Rivers credit. They didn't give us anything easy, but when we did have open shots, we just couldn't make them."

The Grizzlies were within striking distance at halftime, down 40-34, but the Raider defense kicked into high gear in the second half and held MSU-WP to just 14 points in the period.

Freshman guard Sebian Dillard led the Grizzlies on the scoreboard with 11 points. "Sebian was able to hit a few shots. It's good to see him healthy and playing well," Phay said.

Up next

The Grizzlies will remain at home this week to face Link Year Prep for the second time this season at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the civic center. In November, the two teams squared off in the same location, with the Grizzlies coming out on top 83-67.

Tuesday's game also will serve as the university's annual homecoming game. The 2022 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime.

Homecoming activities were to have taken place this past Saturday, but they were rescheduled due to inclement weather.

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