MOBERLY, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team’s record now stands at 3-2 after splitting their games at the Moberly Area Community College Classic this weekend.
Friday evening the Grizzlies fell to Link Year Prep from Branson, 102-94, but rebounded on Saturday when they defeated Illinois Prep from Carbondale, 121-78.
“Link Year Prep is as talented as any team we will play this year,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said. “We were competitive and had chances to win that game. We need to learn from some of our mistakes.”
Sophomore point guard Jesse Zarzuela led the Grizzlies in that game with 34 points and 7 assists. Sophomore forward Nico Hill added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Freshman guard James “Scooter” Williams also earned 13 points and 7 rebounds, while sophomore guard Byron “Tre” Breland added 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Against Illinois Prep, the Grizzlies turned in a much better performance.
“We were able to bounce back against a solid Illinois Prep team,” Phay said. “I’m seeing a lot of improvement from our team, but we need to keep getting better.”
Zarzuela exploded for 38 points on 7 of 12 shooting from the arc as well as 9 assists. This gave him a combined total of 72 points between both games.
“It was good to see Jesse play so well,” Phay said. “He’s a very talented scorer.”
Sophomore guard Ian Lopez had 19 points on 5 of 8 shooting from the arc and 6 rebounds. Breland added 9 points and 10 rebounds.
“All in all, I like where we are at in this point of the season,” Phay said.
The Grizzlies will return to the road to face North Arkansas Community College from Harrison at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, and Southern Arkansas Tech from Camden at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Mineral Area College Classic in Park Hills.
“We play two good teams in North Arkansas and South Arkansas Tech. It’s early and hard to get a gauge on everyone, but North Arkansas is undefeated in this young season,” Phay noted. “Both teams will be a good challenge for us.”
Their next home game is Wednesday, Feb. 10, against Mineral Area College. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at the civic center.
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.
