YUMA, Ariz. - Arizona Western College (10-5) begins the 2026 portion of the regular season hosting Central Arizona College (6-9) to begin ACCAC play. The Matadors are looking to snap a three-game losing streak during the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic to end the 2025 non-conference schedule. The Vaqueros also participated in the Winter Classic and finished 2-1 with wins over Dawson College and Northwest College and falling to Monroe University. Central Arizona began 2026 by falling to Mesa Community College 92-70 on Saturday, January 3rd. The Matadors have won the past five meetings versus Central Arizona including a three-game sweep over the Vaqueros last year.

About the Matadors

Despite a strong overall start, Arizona Western is eager to rediscover its early-season form after dropping three straight, allowing an average of 75 points per game in those losses. The Matadors' balance features three double-figure scorers who combine for 38.4 points per game, and their ability to reestablish defensive consistency will be central to slowing Central Arizona's guard-driven attack.

• #2 Engel Gutierrez (G) - Team-leading 13.1 PPG; shot-maker tasked with setting the offensive tone. • #4 Matt Anglo (G) — Team-leading 12.3 PPG; another offensive playmaker who ignites the offense. • #10 Marsai Mason (G/F) — 13.0 PPG; versatility inside and out can stress a guard-heavy opponent.

About the Vaqueros

Central Arizona's 6-9 record masks recent signs of momentum. The Vaqueros are 2-3 in their last five but carry confidence from wins over common opponents that tripped up Arizona Western. Their three-guard core drives the offense, combining for 41.0 points per game and creating perimeter pressure that will test the Matadors.

• #21 Brayden Gant (G) — 14.4 PPG; primary engine and focal point for AWC's defense. • #1 Luke Leatherwood (G) — 13.7 PPG; steady scorer who complements Gant in a dynamic backcourt. • #3 Tayshaun Jackson (G) — 12.9 PPG; when he joins the party, CAC's offense becomes tough to contain.

Key Storylines

• Slump vs. Inconsistency: AWC (10-5) looks to halt a three-game slide, while CAC (6-9) seeks stability after a 2-3 stretch. • Common Opponents: CAC beat Northwest (70-66) and Dawson (98-84); AWC fell to Northwest (70-79) and Dawson (67-76). 

Stat Snapshot

• Top-Three Scorers: CAC trio (Gant, Leatherwood, Jackson) 41.0 PPG vs. AWC trio (Gutierrez, Anglo, Mason) 38.4 PPG. • Defensive Focus: AWC has been steadier on paper, but allowed 75.0 PPG across its last three losses.

Why It Matters

This ACCAC matchup carries early-season weight. Arizona Western seeks a stabilizing win to stay in the conference's upper tier, while Central Arizona chases a statement result on the road that could spark a climb up the standings and validate its recent form.

Game details

Tipoff is set for 4:00 pm this afternoon in "The House." Game will also be livestreamed on the Matador Sports Stream: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/awcmatadors