Game Audio Below:
The Missouri State West Plains Grizzlies played their second match of the weekend on their home court versus The National Park Nighthawks from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The Team notoriously known for having a great year last year were challenged to some good defense by the Grizzlies but still managed to pull off a win tonight, 74-69
1st Half: Tip controlled by the Grizzlies. They work inside and first blood by #5, Shaun Glass as Grizzlies take a 3-0 lead. Answered back by The National Park Nighthawks with several buckets by #23 Kaharie Loggins for National Park as it quickly turns into a 6-5 ballgame as Grizzlies attack back with another uphanded shot by #5, Glass and two by #2 Easterling.
Taken back by #23, Loggins and put up and good. But another three by #5, Shaun Glass, the second field goal by #5, Shaun Glass. Rebound by The Nighthawks and put up and in by #12 Blaine Tate to make it a 9-8 game. But two more threes follow for the Grizzlies by #20, Damani Barley.
Grizzlies also have some great luck at the free-throw line in the start by #24, Dassiah Green who makes at least five.
Grizzlies now up 18-8 with under 10:35 to go as #15, Javon Barbee comes in with great defensive pressure. Five three pointers on the night so far.
The Nighthawks pick up the attack as #4 Addison Shelton gets several rebounds, but only two jumpers make it in to make it an 18-11 game.
#2 Alonso Easterling comes back into the game and shoots one more three. But the National Park narrows it hard to a one point lead all by #4, Addison Shelton & 0, Marquel Sampson. And with 3:35 to go, the two guards narrow it to a three points game, 22-25.
Two more by 0, Sampson and now it 22-27. Grizzlies make their fifth turnover of the game.
Finally, one jumper by #4, Ace Evans falls. And for at least a minute, it remains a four- point lead by National Park.
A jumper by #2, Alonso Easterling is good right before the buzzer.
HALFTIME- National Park Nighthawks: 29/ MSU-WP Grizzlies: 28
2nd Half: #2, Alonso Easterling & #24, Dassiah Green give the Grizzlies a little boost starting off with two good bounce passes cutting it back to a three points. But this quickly escalates again for National Park.
Loggins, Sampson, & Shelton all have come back into the game for National Park and combined by the three of them through bounce passes and at least two threes, send National Park back up to a ten point lead, 45-35.
Grizzlies also trying to control a zone and get some good looks as #5, Shaun Glass narrows the lead with two back to back threes but still are held to at least twelve points by The Nighthawks.
#23. Loggins for National Park with multiple points in the game continues to bring the ball to the basket. Grizzlies have shot down to at least 25% shooting average on the night.
#11, Makai Lindsey comes in during the second half and gives the Grizzlies a few good jumpers
In the last 1:28 game, Lindsey’s two point effort cuts the lead to six.
To the Grizzlies benefit, there are a few penalties mainly on #23, Loggins for the Nighthawks. And as Grizzlies finally cut it to three, Foul calls begin to ramp up for The Grizzlies again.
#24 Dassiah Green gets several more shots at the free-throw line on the night but hardly luck making them in at all.
Though even he had a lot of fouls as well, #23, Kaharie Loggins continues to lead the attack by The National Park Nighthawks.
The Nighthawks win the game by a Final Score of 74-69
Scoring:
#4, Ace Evans- 16 Points
#24, Dassiah Green- 14 Points
#1, Tyrell Smith-9 Points
#11 Makai Lindsey- 9 Points
Grizzlies will resume play next weekend;
On Fri- 11/28– They will face Morton College @ 7PM
& on Sat- 11/29– They will face North Arkansas College @ 4PM
Both of these matches will be home games, and you can catch both broadcasts on 102.5 Hot Country KDY & Live streaming through Ozark Radio News on Facebook & YouTube.
