Grizzlies defeat State Fair Fri., face Three Rivers tonight

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzlies upped their season record to 10-4 Friday evening with an 83-73 victory over Region 16 rival State Fair Community College at the West Plains Civic Center.

The win moves the Grizzlies into second place in the Region 16 standings.

"I thought it was a well-played game by both teams," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.

MSU-WP took control of the game in the first half and went into the break with a 48-35 advantage, due in large part to a 19-point performance in the period by sophomore point guard Martaveon Jones.

"Martaveon was really good Friday night, and I feel like he's getting better with every game," Phay said. Jones had a team-leading 27 points for the game.

The Roadrunners chipped away at that lead in the second half and drew within 5 points of the Grizzlies, 65-60. That's when sophomore forward Nico Hill snared a three-pointer from the corner to lift the score to 68-60, and the Grizzlies never looked back.

"Nico has been good for us all year and really competes to win," Phay said, noting Hill had 14 points in the game.

Although the Grizzlies went into the contest short-handed due to injuries to sophomores Ian Lopez and Franklyn Petion and freshman Jimarius Sneed, other teammates stepped up their game, including freshman guard Scooter Williams, who netted 18 points and 10 rebounds.

"Scooter and Martaveon have become a nice 1-2 punch for us," Phay said.

The Grizzlies go on the road today to face Three Rivers College in another key Region 16 contest. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Poplar Bluff.

"Three Rivers is very talented, and we have to expect a battle, but I like how we have been coming together as a group," Phay said.

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