Adams State women can't hold on for home win

Adam's State's Marshell Hollins looks for some fast break points after a steal during Wednesday's game against Rockhurst. Hollins tied for the team lead with 9 points. (Courier photo by Stephen Jiron)

ALAMOSA — Plachy Hall was the site of the second non-conference meeting between Adams State (1-7) and Rockhurst (5-5). For the second time this season Adams State played the Hawks tight but could not come away with a win, Rockhurst finished late for a 54-49 victory over the home team.

The last time these two teams met was back in November. A 26-point third quarter lifted the Grizzlies to tie the game at 64 points at the end of regulation. Neither team could strike a deciding blow in overtime with double overtime being required. In the double overtime period Rockhurst outscored the Grizzlies 12-9 to take the game 82-79. Junior Marshell Hollins led Adams State with 23 points.

This time around Adams State was pressing for a win. Prior to Wednesday’s contest the Grizzlies were in the midst of a four game skid through four conference games.

Adams State and Rockhurst would battle for control in the early going, a three-pointer from Zakiya Beckles would give her Grizzlies a 7-4 lead, the three point lead was the largest of the game for Adams State.  Three minutes later a jumpshot from Rockhurst's  Lauren Krissman made it 6 unanswered points and a 10-7 lead for the Hawks. After one quarter Adams State trailed 10-8. 

The Hawks would start the second quarter with a 14-6 run to claim their biggest lead of the game at 24-14. Adams State’s Ki’asha Harris heated up quickly for the Grizzlies in the waning minutes of the half.  Eight points in less than two minutes from Harris capped by a lay-up from teammate Sentreal Gregory brought ASU back from the brink to go to the half down 30-24. Harris’ flurry in the second quarter would total her scoring for the afternoon at 8 points, tied for second on the team.

Adams State came out in the second half with an aggressive mindset. The first four attempts of the second half for Adams State came from three-point territory. Despite this, Stephanie Ruiz owned the lone three-point make in the opening exchange and the Grizzlies would enter the final frame behind 40-33. 

Six points from junior Marshell Hollins and the Grizzlies were back in business closing the distance to a five-point game with seven and a half to play. Three minutes later and a drive inside by Ruiz was fed outside resulting in the go ahead trey from Gregory giving Adams State a 49-47 lead.

It would not stand, over the course of the next four minutes there was a lid on the rim for Adams State as they went 0 of 5 on shots from the field allowing 7 unanswered points and a late victory to the Hawks. The team lead in scoring for the Grizzlies was shared by Gregory and Hollins with 9 points each.

Adams State will close out 2018 on the road, Dec. 30th at Missouri Western (5-5) in a postponement from earlier in the season. Tip off is scheduled for 12 p.m.