Some of the most intense basketball games in Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) history have been against Region 16 arch rival Three Rivers College.
Monday’s contest was no exception. In a down-to-the-wire contest, the Grizzlies (11-4) held off a tenacious Raiders team to squeak out a 71-69 decision and extend their winning streak to four.
The win helps the Grizzlies maintain second place in the region standings, just two games behind Mineral Area College (MAC). The Cardinals are 15-0 on the season and ranked second in the nation in this week’s NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball poll.
The game was a rubber match between these two rivals. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the five Region 16 teams agreed to play each other three times this season instead of the usual two. The first meeting on Feb. 13 belonged to the Grizzlies, who defeated the Raiders 100-90 on Three Rivers’ home court. The Raiders returned the favor on March 1, taking down the Grizzlies 106-88 at the West Plains Civic Center.
The battle
Monday night, the Grizzlies built a 28-20 lead shortly before halftime, but the Raiders charged back, going on a 9-0 run and taking a 29-28 lead into the break.
Freshman guard Scooter Williams started the second half off right for the Grizzlies, draining a bucket that put the Grizzlies in the lead for good, even though the contest remained close.
Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said he was impressed with the Grizzlies’ effort on the court, especially that of Williams.
“Scooter was really good and impacts the game on every level,” the coach said. “At the same time, our team did a great job setting him up to score. We are playing unselfish, and that is a big part of our success.”
Williams once again proved to be a force for the Grizzlies Monday night, scoring 30 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out five assists in the game.
Sophomore guard Byron Breland added 11 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore point guard Martaveon Jones also contributed 11 points while grabbing six rebounds and five steals.
“Byron and Martaveon are also doing a little of everything for us,” Phay said. “We are undersized, so we have to have our guards help rebound, and they did that.”
Buffaloes up next
The Grizzlies will return to the court Wednesday evening when they host Arkansas Baptist College at 7 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. The game originally was scheduled for Feb. 20 but had to be postponed due to inclement weather.
The Buffaloes features the nation’s second leading scorer in junior college basketball, guard Tairell Fletcher, Phay said. Fletcher is averaging 26.1 points per game.
Due to the pandemic, seating will be limited at Wednesday’s game, and social distancing and masking will be required throughout the event for everyone age 10 and above, Phay reminded. Children age 2 to 9 are highly recommended to wear a mask, he added.
Those planning to attend should have their masks on when they enter the civic center. Masks will need to remain on throughout the game.
Ushers will be available to answer questions, and signage will be placed to help with seating. Every other row will be blocked off and three seats will be required between groups if seated in the same row.
Grizzly fans who’ve attended recent games may have noticed a player missing from the bench. Sophomore point guard Jesse Zarzuela is no longer with the team, Phay said.
“He will remain on scholarship for the remainder of the spring semester and is on track to complete his degree in May,” the coach added. “We wish him the best.”
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.
