WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team won its fifth game in a row Monday, Feb. 15, with an 109-68 victory over Faith Prep Academy, West Memphis, Arkansas, in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.
The Grizzlies are now 19-9 overall, 2-5 in Region 16 play, and 3-5 in Midwest Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) play.
“This was a fun game for all of our guys,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker said. “We were very balanced. Our bench scored 48 percent of our points. We also defended the 3-point line very well. That has really helped us on our winning streak.”
Six Grizzlies scored in double figures. They include freshman forwards Devonte Campbell and Jacob Smith, each with 17 points; freshman guard Mike Asemota 13 points; freshman forward Mike Parks, Jr., 12 points; and freshman guards Vonny Irvin and Juwan Green each with 10 points.
Overall, the Grizzlies connected on 41 of 69 shots from the field for 59.4 percent, nine of 26 attempts from 3-point range for 34.6 percent, and 18 of 24 free throw attempts for 75 percent. They also had 32 rebounds, 24 assists, 10 turnovers, two blocks and 16 steals.
“I was very happy with the 24 assists on 41 baskets and the fact that, with all of those possessions, we only had 10 turnovers,” Walker said. “We were efficient from the free throw line, and we were exceptional from inside the 3-point line.” The Grizzlies hit 32 of 43 shots in that range for 74 percent.
Faith Prep hit 29 of 66 shots from the field for 43.9 percent, six of 22 3-point attempts for 27.3 percent and four of five free throw attempts for 80 percent. The team also had 33 rebounds, seven assists, 21 turnovers and seven steals. Leading scorers were Mieron Hardy with 25 points, Shelton Parker 12 and Marcus Nesby 10.
The Grizzlies will close out the regular season Friday, Feb. 19, by hosting Region 16 rival Moberly Area Community College at 7 p.m. in Joe Paul Evans Arena. Moberly is coming off a 21-point win Feb. 13 over fellow Region 16 competitor State Fair Community College in Moberly.
“We have a huge game Friday against Moberly. They are always tough, but they are playing well again, so we will need to continue to improve these next few days to be playing our best when they come to town,” Walker said. “It will be Sophomore Night, and I’d like to show these sophomores the appreciation they deserve.”
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit the team’s website or call the Grizzly Basketball office at 417-255-7993. Complete game statistics can be found here.