WEST PLAINS, Mo. – It’s always nice when the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies get a win, but Saturday’s 84-65 rout of the Three Rivers Community College Raiders at the West Plains Civic Center arena seemed a little sweeter than most.

Not only did the Jan. 22 victory up the Grizzlies’ overall season record to 20-2 and their Region 16 record to 2-0, it gave them a decisive victory over their arch nemesis from Poplar Bluff, Mo., and it capped off a great homecoming celebration for the university.

“Before I say anything else, I want to thank everyone who came out and supported us,” said Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker, who noted the 2,000-plus fans in attendance.  “The crowd was outstanding, and we need you again Tuesday because first place in the region will be on the line.  Come to the game and bring a friend!”

Tuesday, Jan. 25, the Grizzlies will meet State Fair Community College of Sedalia, Mo., in a 7 p.m. contest at the civic center arena.  The Roadrunners are 17-3 overall this season and 2-0 in the region after victories over Moberly Area Community College Jan. 19 and Three Rivers Jan. 13.

A win over the Raiders at first seemed like a long shot Saturday after Three Rivers jumped out to a 9-2 lead early in the first half, but the Grizzlies fought back, took a 12-11 lead and never looked back.

“We did a pretty good job on the boards in the first half, and we did a good job defensively most of the night,” Walker said.  “They got some open looks and a couple of transition baskets early, but once we settled in, they really struggled to score.”

At halftime, the Grizzlies were up 36-20, and they outscored the Raiders 48-45 in the second half.
“Our big guys inside did a pretty good job of staying in front of the post, and our backside help was in the right spot most of the night.  Later in the game, though, we gave up too many offensive rebounds,” Walker explained.

Overall, the Grizzlies hit 28 of 53 shots from the field for 52 percent and 11 of 25 attempts from three-point range for 44 percent.  At the free throw line, they were 17 of 21 for 81 percent.  “Our offense didn’t have a great flow, especially early, but we ended up shooting over 50 percent overall and 44 percent from three.  That makes life a little easier on the offensive end,” Walker said.

Sophomore Lonnie Hayes, Jr., led the offensive charge for the Grizzlies, scoring 28 points.  He was followed by sophomores Quinton Pippen with 17 points, Travis Wilkins with 15 points and Teddy Simniok with 9 points.

Hayes had seven assists and only one turnover from the point guard position, and Pippen hit five of his nine attempts from three-point range.  Wilkins hit four of his six field goal attempts and was nearly flawless from the free throw line, snaring seven of eight attempts.  Simniok owned the boards with eight rebounds.

The Raiders hit 26 of 66 attempts from the field for 40 percent, eight of 23 attempts from three-point range for 35 percent, and five of 11 free throws for 46 percent.  Hunter Gibson led Three Rivers’ scoring efforts with 19 points, followed by Tarius Johnson with 16, Elgin Lee 14 and Rudy Harrell 11.

“They threw the kitchen sink at us with their full court pressure and their 1-3-1 trap,” Walker said of the Raiders.  “We had a couple of turnovers against it, but we still maintained the lead and didn’t let it hurt us.

“I know that when we play them over there, this game and their overall record can be thrown out the window,” Walker continued.  “It will take an even better effort to beat them at their place next time around.”

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit the team’s website at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/grizzly/bb.htm or call the Grizzly Basketball office at 417-255-7993.