West Plains, MO – Returning from winter break, the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team could not overcome a cold night of shooting against Region 16 foe Moberly Area Community College.
The Grizzlies battled early in the first half, but a cold offensive spell was the ultimate difference maker in Wednesday night’s performance. Moberly used a 24-6 run to build a 39-20 halftime lead that the Grizzlies could not battle back from before falling 82-60. The loss drops the Grizzlies to 7-11 on the season and 1-1 in Region 16 play.
“Overall, I have to be better with both our effort from a physical standpoint as well as a mental standpoint,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.
The Grizzlies came into the game shorthanded as three players were in the COVID-19 protocol.
“I think it will be a challenge to navigate COVID for a bit. We will need a lot of different guys to come into games ready to play,” Phay added.
Scoring leaders
Freshman guard Isaiah Lewis led the Grizzlies in scoring with 16 points. Sophomore forward Byron Breland also added 12 points and was the only other Grizzly in double figures. Phay was impressed with Lewis’s contribution against Moberly.
“I think Zeke (Isaiah) played well and showed how he is capable of playing.” Phay said.
Region 16 play continues into the weekend
The Grizzlies return to West Plains for their first home game of the spring semester Saturday, Jan. 8 against another Region 16 rival, State Fair Community College who enters the contest with a 12-5 record, 1-1 in conference, and are coming off a victory over Three Rivers Community College.
“State Fair is a really good and well coached team so we will have to be ready for a battle,” Phay added.
Tip off is at 7 p.m. in the Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.