Grizzlies can't keep pace with Greyhounds

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzlies knew they faced a daunting task Saturday night.

They were taking on Region 16 rival Moberly Area Community College (MACC), one of the hottest teams in the nation right now, on its home court.

The Grizzlies did their best to put an end to the Greyhounds' five-game winning streak, but their efforts did little to slow down a team that seems to be peaking at just the right time, and the Grizzlies dropped a 103-60 decision at the MACC Activity Center.

"Moberly is playing really well right now, possibly as well as anyone in the country," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said.

The Grizzlies shot 40.4 percent from the field against the Greyhounds, while the Greyhounds hit 56.7 percent of their attempts. Each team connected on 13 3-pointers, but MACC had nearly four times as many attempts from the free throw line as the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies hit five of six free throws while the Greyhounds connected on 14 of 21 attempts.

In his second start, sophomore guard Reese Dodson led the Grizzlies in scoring with 17 points.

"We have had a lot of injuries and adversity, so our team has changed a lot, but Reese has become a consistent mainstay for us," Phay said. "Reese works hard and has prepared himself, and it's great to see him make the most of his opportunity."

The loss drops the Grizzlies' overall record to 10-18 and their region record to 3-8. Of their 18 losses, 12 have been against teams ranked in the top 25 this season, Phay pointed out.

Last home game Wednesday

The Grizzlies will host their last home game of the season at 7 p.m. Wednesday when they face Region 16 rival State Fair Community College in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center. The teams have split their first two meetings this season, with the Grizzlies falling to the Roadrunners in overtime at Sedalia.

In addition to the game, Grizzly Athletics officials will induct former Grizzly Volleyball standout Mafo Joelle into the Grizzly Athletics Hall of Fame and present long-time supporter Jerry Hall with the Grizzly Track Award.

Sophomores from the Grizzly Basketball and Cheer Teams also will be recognized during the evening's festivities.

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.