PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball (14-5, 4-0 ACCAC) gutted out a tense 74-72 victory over Yavapai College on Wednesday night, surviving a furious late charge to remain perfect in conference play.

The Matadors faced one of their toughest league tests of the season, fighting for every point in a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams trade blows throughout. After grabbing a slim 39-37 edge at halftime, Arizona Western leaned on its depth, discipline and physicality to withstand a home-court push from Yavapai. The game remained tight down the stretch, with the Matadors making just enough plays in the closing moments to escape Prescott with a crucial conference road win.

Yavapai made life difficult by shooting 59.6 percent from the field, but Arizona Western countered with relentless effort on both ends and by maximizing its opportunities. The Matadors attempted 61 shots to Yavapai's 47 and came up with key free throws, hitting 11 compared to Yavapai's seven. Arizona Western also protected the basketball, committing only eight turnovers while forcing 10 from the Roughriders. Bench production proved vital, as the visitors got double-digit scoring from reserves to offset Yavapai's hot shooting.

Marsai Mason anchored the Matadors' effort with 19 points, eight rebounds, a steal and an assist. Mason was efficient from the field (6-of-10) and clutch at the line (6-of-7), helping Arizona Western secure critical points in a hostile environment. Matt Anglo added 13 points, two assists and a pair of three-pointers in 33 minutes, providing leadership and scoring at key moments. Boubacar Diatta delivered 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting with three rebounds and a steal, while Nikola Aleksic gave the Matadors a spark off the bench, chipping in 10 points and an assist in just 19 minutes.

Arizona Western's bench outscored Yavapai's reserves, with Illiam Fevry also contributing seven points. The defensive effort and balanced scoring proved decisive as the Matadors survived a 26-point, 11-of-13 shooting night from Yavapai's Jason Parent.

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Arizona Western returns home to host Eastern Arizona College on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. MST