By CHRIS POPP, Grizzly Basketball Head Coach
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, Friday night to face Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWTCC) in their last contest before the winter break. The Grizzlies ended up on the short end of an 89-84 final score, leaving them at 15-2 going into the semester break. The loss comes following a week that saw the Grizzlies defeat 16th-ranked Iowa Western Community College and jump into the NJCAA National poll at No. 23.
“It was disappointing,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp said. “Obviously we want to win every game. What was disappointing was the way we played. The first half in particular. We did not look like the same team. You want to go into the break on a positive note. That wasn’t it.”
It was a slow start offensively for the Grizzlies with four missed shots at the rim. Costly turnovers also led to Saluqi baskets, giving the home team an early 11-2 advantage. “We made uncharacteristic mistakes, looked a bit rushed offensively. When we did execute, we were able to get the ball where we wanted, then struggled to finish,” Popp said. The Grizzlies finished the game just 37 percent from the floor. That is very different from the norm of 54 percent. For the first time, they struggled inside with the Grizzlies’ post players shooting a combined seven for 21 from the field. It did not help matters that SWTCC finished 48 percent from the floor and a 48 percent from behind the arc.
Popp noted that starting guard, Niekie Thomas, exited with an injury less than five minutes into the game. “I felt like other guys were solid in his place, but it is impossible to know how much difference it made. It changes a lot of dynamics with substitutions, with rest, not just with who plays in his place. Niekie makes a difference for us, especially on the defensive end.”
Down as many as 16 in the first half, the lead was cut to 3 points late in the game. “We never could get over that 5-6 point hump. Each time we seemed on the verge, it seemed like they would hit a three to keep us at bay,” Popp said. “Our guys played hard. I can’t fault them there. We simply weren’t as sharp as we needed to be to beat a very talented team on the road.” Sophomore guard Radshad Davis led the way finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Ricky Torres met his average with 18 points and chimed in seven assists and seven rebounds. Also in double figures were freshmen forwards, Burone Edwards and Dontell Brown, each with 11 points.
Friday was the final game of the fall semester for the Grizzlies. They will be back on the court for the Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply Classic tournament on Jan. 5 and 6. They will open the tournament facing 8th-ranked Motlow State Community College. That begins a tough stretch as they then host Sunrise Christian Academy, 3rd-ranked Indian Hills and regional opponents Mineral Area College and Three Rivers College, all within 15 days.