WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team kept its winning streak alive Tuesday, Feb. 9, with an 81-73 victory over Region 16 foe State Fair Community College of Sedalia in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.
The Grizzlies are now 18-9 overall, 2-5 in Region 16 play, and 3-5 in Midwest Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) play.
“Our guys really executed the game plan on both ends of the floor,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker said of the victory. “State Fair averages 88 points a game, and we have held them to 73 in both games this season.”
What made the outcome different this time around, Walker said, is that the Grizzlies “really attacked inside and got easy baskets.”
The Grizzlies were in complete control of the contest in the first half, out-scoring the Roadrunners 44-25, but the Roadrunners answered in the second half, going on a scoring spree that allowed them to out-score the Grizzlies 48 to 37 in the period. Fortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ first half margin.
“We knew that even with a big lead they would make a run, and the law of averages was in their favor; however, we withstood their run and made enough plays to finish the game off,” Walker said.
Game stats show the Grizzlies hit 26 of 47 shots from the field for 55.3 percent, five of 14 shots from 3-point range for 35.7 percent and 24 of 34 free throw attempts for 70.6 percent. They also had 30 rebounds, 18 assists, 17 turnovers, four blocks and five steals.
Leading scorers were sophomore forward Ngor Barnaba with 18 points, freshman forward Devonte Campbell with 16, freshman guard Vonny Irvin with 14 and sophomore forward Terrel Martin-Garcia with 12.
The Roadrunners hit 25 of 64 shots from the field for 39.1 percent, 10 of 33 3-point attempts for 30.3 percent and 13 of 21 free throw attempts for 61.9 percent. They also recorded 28 rebounds, nine assists, 17 turnovers and six steals. Leading scorers were Ronnie Rousseau with 23 points and Joshua Bailey with 12.
“We were very solid defensively,” Walker said. “Clint Robinson was coming off a 22-point, 11-rebound performance at Three Rivers College, and we held him to single digits. Willie Jimmerson has been a double-digit scorer all season, and he only had 8. They have made a living at the free throw line this season, and we held them to 13 fewer attempts than their average.”
The Grizzlies continue their season-ending home stand Monday, Feb. 15, when they host Faith Preparatory Academy from West Memphis, Arkansas, at 7 p.m. in Joe Paul Evans Arena. The final regular season game is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 19 against Region 16 rival Moberly Area Community College of Moberly at the civic center. The evening also will include recognition of the team’s sophomores.
“We are on a nice run as we close out the season,” Walker said. “We are playing pretty well in most aspects of the game, and we are working to be better. We have two home games left, and I’d really like to show these young men the appreciation they’ve earned, especially on Sophomore Night.”
He also thanked Shoe Factory Lofts for sponsoring the State Fair game. “The continue to take great care of us year after year,” he said.
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.