Game Audio Below:
The Missouri State West Plains Grizzly Basketball Team played Game Two in The Culver’s Midwest Classic Tournament versus The Cloud County Community College Thunderbirds on Saturday, November 8th, 2025. This comes after a 67-60 loss to the Tournament host, The Southeastern Iowa Community College Blackhawks.
Grizzlies had some offensive strength in the game but ultimately fell to the Thunderbirds by a score of 107-83
1st Half: Grizzlies hit the ground running as they face a full court press by The Cloud County Thunderbirds. First bucket for the Grizzlies is good by #1 Tyrell Smith. Smith, the new transfer the Grizzlies has had some great luck in the first few games. But the Thunderbirds do get some action themselves as the Game heats up to a 7-6 game as the Forwards Brooks and Stackhouse for the Thunderbirds make two good buckets. #2 Alonso Easterling for Grizzlies plays a tight defense as Grizzlies get seven in a row as the lead increases to 13-7. #1, Tyrell Smith now has 13- three pointers as the game ties up at 13-13. #4, Ace Evans, the new Milwaukee, WI transfer for the Grizzlies comes into the game and scores the next seven points for the Grizzlies. Evans successfully taking the ball straight to the hoop as the game ties back up at 21.
Grizzlies do run into some issues with penalties. Some of these were spread out but several free throws by #1, Al Brooks for the Thunderbirds does cut into the lead by at least seven points.
#14, Gustav Blaudenfeldt makes his first three for the Grizzlies within 7 minutes to go in the ballgame. This after, both #1, Al Brooks & #22, Ikee Brooks gives the Grizzlies about five more points. But Grizzlies come back with several more quick layups by #4, Ace Evans who keeps saving the Grizzles and getting the ball straight to the hoop. #2, Alonso Easterling ads several more free throws to put the Grizzlies up, 40-33. However, the Grizzlies defensive pressure is beginning to become the Grizzlies weakness with about 4 ½ minutes ago.
Another shooter for the Grizzlies, #11, Makai Lindsay makes two more as Grizzlies trail by nine 49-41 at halftime.
2nd Half: Some fast paced defensive pressure by the starts off the 2nd Half as The Al Brooks shoots his third three pointer plus two layups to lead the Grizzlies as many as 15. To thin out the trail, #2 Easterling & # 4, Evans shoot two more layups for the Grizzlies to attempt to cut into the lead with just over 17 minutes to go in the 2nd half. Ace Evans connects for another three as the Thunderbirds now lead as many as four, 64-68. The Thunderbirds answer back as the lead is cut to as many 17, 71-52.
#2, Alosnso Easterling picks up some speed in an attempt to contest with The Thunderbirds size. All five Grizzly Shooters, #1 Easterling, #4, Evans, #11, Lindsey#14, Blaudenfeldt- all getting good looks at two. However, in this match thus far; The Thunderbirds are getting long three pointers and making all free-throws making it quite difficult for The Grizzlies to contend with both the speed and size.
Grizzlies do begin stretching out into a full court press, but two three point attempts by #4, Ace Evans doesn’t make it in. Evans does get a rebound and his 21st point as the Grizzlies trail, 91-69 with under seven minutes to go.
Throughout the remaining five minutes, The Thunderbirds have a string of three points off both Brooks & Stackhouse.
# 4 Ace Evans- 21 Points
#24 Dassiah Green- 11 Points, all 2nd half. nNne from throw line
#5 Shaun Glass -7 Points
#11, Makai Lindsey- 7 Points
#10 Jake Sage- 2 Points
# 14 Gustav Blaudenfeldt- 3 points
Grizzlies will be back at home this Monday night and again on Wednesday night:
Monday, 11/10-Facing the Butler Community College Grizzlies
Wednesday, 11/12- Facing Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
Catch both of these games @7PM, live-streaming and on 102.5 Hot Country KDY
