LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team’s season record now stands at 20-8 after a 60-55 loss to Arkansas Baptist College Saturday afternoon, Feb. 18, in Little Rock, Ark.

“This was a trap game and we fell right in,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker said. “We only gave up 60 points, but it wasn’t like we were just on point defensively. We didn’t execute our offense that well. When we took care of the ball and played like we’re capable, we scored. We had way too many turnovers. We just couldn’t get out of our own way. If we take care of the ball, we win, plain and simple. We had 11 offensive rebounds and we had three guys in double figures.”

In a previous game between the two teams earlier this month at the West Plains Civic Center, the Grizzlies beat Arkansas Baptist, 72-41. “To Arkansas Baptist’s credit they have won 16 of their last 18 games,” Walker noted.  “They are just a completely different team at home.”

The Grizzlies were 23 of 55 from the field for 42 percent, three of 16 3-point shots for 19 percent and six of 15 from the free throw line for 40 percent.  They grabbed 36 rebounds and also recorded five assists and 16 turnovers. Leading scorers were sophomores Nathane Simniok and Gage Wooten each with 16 points, followed by freshman Miles Gatewood with 12 points. Wooten also had 14 rebounds and Simniok grabbed 7.

Arkansas Baptist hit 23 of 42 shots from the field for 55 percent, two of eight 3-pointers for 25 percent, and 12 of 23 free throws for 52 percent.  They also had 13 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

The Grizzlies will close out the regular season at home with a 7 p.m. game Feb. 23 against Northeast Mississippi Community College from Booneville, Miss., and a 7 p.m. contest Feb. 25 against Moberly Area Community College of Moberly, Mo.  Both games will be in the civic center arena.

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