By: Con Marshall
CSC Sports Information
CHADRON, Neb. – The Chadron State women's basketball team scored on its first three possessions and were neck-and-neck with Adams State for much of the first half, but the Grizzlies slowly pulled away for an 82-59 victory in an RMAC game in Alamosa, Colorado Thursday night.
Veterans Ashayla Powers and Kylie Krise recorded 14 points apiece to lead the Eagles. Krise was CSC's leading rebounder with eight while Megan Counts grabbed six in the loss. The win improved Adams State's record to 9-7 overall and 4-3 in the RMAC. The Eagles are now 2-11 and 1-6.
Chadron State took an early 6-0 lead, were behind by only two points (19-17) at the end of the first quarter and trailed by just three points (33-30) with three minutes left in the first half. But the Grizzlies eventually led by a 42-32 margin at halftime and tallied the first nine points of the second half while building their advantage to 60-40 in the third period.
The third quarter was the Eagles' downfall. They were outscored 18-8 in the frame, when they shot just 2-for-15 from the field, including going 0-for-5 from 3-point land.
Taejhuan Hill, a 6-foot freshman, led Adams State with 21 points and 10 rebounds for game-high honors in both categories. Kiiyani Anitielu, a 5-7 junior, and Angeline Nageak, a 5-5 senior, added 17 and 15 points, respectively, for the Grizzlies.
The 82 points scored by Adams State is a season-high for ASU. The Grizzlies shot 45 percent (30-66) from the field, including 9-of-19 three-point attempts, and cashed in on 13 of 14 free throws. The Eagles hit 36.5 percent (23-63) from the field, including 7 of 19 from behind the arc, and were 6 of 7 on their foul shots.
Some of the other statistics were lopsided. Chadron State outrebounded the Grizzlies 44-27, but Adams State was credited with 17 steals and the Eagles finished with 28 turnovers, double the home team's total.
The Eagles will play at New Mexico Highlands on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Cowgirls, now 6-7 for the season, defeated Black Hills State 77-63 Thursday night. It was the Cowgirls' first win over Black Hills State in 17 games and the first RMAC loss of the season for BHSU.
Chadron State—Ashayla Powers 14, Kylie Krise 14, Allison Richards 7, McKenzi Petersen 6, Megan Counts 5, Liberty Line 5, Kyra Tanabe 4, Camren Morris 3, Olivia Waufle 1. Totals: 23-63 FG (7-19 3PT) 6-7 FT. 59 points, 44 rebounds, 10 assists, 28 turnovers.
Adams State—Taejhaun Hill 21, Kiiyani Anitielu 17, Angeline Nageak 15, Mykaila Pickard 8, Ri'Ahana Davis 7, Brooke Rodgers 7, Jada Price 5, Christabel Longe 2. Totals: 30-66 FG (9-19 3PT) 13-14 FT. 82 points, 21 rebounds, 11 assists, 14 turnovers.