Grizzlies split games at Grizzly Classic

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team split its games at the Grizzly Classic Basketball Tournament this past weekend at the West Plains Civic Center.

The Grizzlies (3-7) defeated Labette Community College, Parsons, Kansas, 88-70, Friday night, but fell to Kansas City Kansas Community College 66-63 Saturday.

Sophomore forward Nico Hill and sophomore guard Mehdi Pissis led the Grizzly charge against Labette Friday. Each one scored 17 points. Freshman forward Mo Kora followed with 13 points, and freshman guard Kevon Eskridge added 11.

"I thought we shared the ball well and we handled their pressure well," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said. "It was good to see Mehdi and Nico play well. They both put the time in."

Struggles on Saturday

The Grizzlies couldn't find the same mojo Saturday night against the Blue Devils.

"I was frustrated with our lack of effort, but you have to give Kansas City a lot of credit. They played harder than we did," Phay said. "I know we've had a brutal schedule and might be fatigued, but we need to play harder than that."

Sophomore guard Byron Breland led the Grizzlies' scoring efforts Saturday, netting 16 points. Pissis added 15.

"No question Mehdi was our most consistent player this weekend," the coach said. "We all have to be better. I need to be better. The guys have to be better."

Up next

The Grizzlies stay home this week to host the Grizzly Invitational Tournament Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26-27, at the civic center.

Joining the Grizzlies in the two-day event will be National Park College from Hot Springs, Arkansas; Western Texas College from Snyder; and Southwestern Community College from Creston, Iowa.

Game times are 5 and 7 p.m., with the Grizzlies competing in the 7 p.m. contests.

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.