THATCHER, Ariz. - It wasn't the kind of first half head coach Kyle Isaacs and his coaching staff envisioned in the Matadors season opener on Friday night versus #18 Barton. The game was played at Guitteau Gymnasium at Eastern Arizona College. The Matadors managed 21 first half points and trailed by 16 heading into the half. 

"We refused to fold," Arizona Western head coach Kyle Isaacs said. "We opened the second frame with a flurry, sparked by Paora Winitana's put-back, a Matt Anglo finish, and pressure defense that forced back-to-back Barton turnovers. We sparked belief."

 Arizona Western would outscore Barton 46-37 in the second half.

 "We kept punching," Isaacs said. "Anglo carved out tough paint points, Illiam Fevry and Boubacar Diatta turned steals into free throws and buckets, and Engel Gutierrez and Winitana kept attacking the rim."

 The defining stretch came inside eight minutes. Matt Anglo drilled a wing three, Fevry finished through contact after a Winitana offensive board, and the Matadors strung together multiple stops to slash a 63–45 hole to 64–58 with 4:23 left. Gutierrez's corner three with :26 remaining pulled AWC within seven, capping a relentless second-half rally that had Barton on its heels to the horn.

 Coach Isaacs says his team's response and resilience stood out along with the Matadors being relentless on the glass. 

 "We had multiple heroes," Isaacs said. "Anglo's rim attacks and timely three, Winitana's put-backs and playmaking, Diatta's late-game activity, Fevry's finishing at the line, and Gutierrez's clutch triple summed up the 'Both Feet In' mentality. It wasn't the result we wanted, but it was the identity we demand—toughness, togetherness, and a second-half surge that showed exactly who we are. Desert Grind travels. We'll build on this and be better tomorrow."

 Up next for the Matadors is Gillette College, the game once again will be played at Guitteau Gymnasium at Eastern Arizona College. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/@eacmonsters