YUMA, Ariz. - When the Arizona Western men's basketball team takes the court this afternoon, you may notice the Arizona Western coaches wearing suits with tennis shoes. The week of January 26 - February 1st is Coaches versus Cancer, "Suits and Sneakers Week" a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.

"I'll be wearing sneakers in honor of my dad and all other cancer survivors," Arizona Western men's basketball head coach Kyle Issacs said. 

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $179 million for the American Cancer Society.

GAME PREVIEW 

 Arizona Western sits on top of the ACCAC standings at 5-1 with Eastern Arizona. The Matadors are coming off a 108-98 win over Central Arizona on Wednesday. Cochise enters with three straight wins after dropping two, including one to AWC. • Rematch and Revenge: AWC controlled the first meeting, 83-71, with superior shooting and rebounding. The Apaches look to flip the script on the road. • Battle of Scoring Philosophies: AWC's depth and balance vs. Cochise's high-powered guard trio that combines for nearly 50 PPG.

About Arizona Western

AWC's recent surge has been fueled by efficiency, depth, and balance. In the 83-71 win at Cochise, the Matadors shot 46.3% from the field and 38.5% from three while holding the Apaches to 37.5% overall and 25.0% from deep. AWC's bench was decisive, outscoring Cochise's reserves 21-2, and the Matadors controlled the glass 41-34. The attack features multiple threats with three double-figure scorers and strong production across the rotation.

Players to Watch — Arizona Western

• #10 Marsai Mason (G/F): Team's leading scorer (16.1 PPG); posted 18 points and 13 rebounds in the first meeting. Scored career high 38 points in win over Central Arizona on Wednesday • #4 Matt Anglo (G): Reliable scorer and playmaker (14.0 PPG); delivered 20 points and 6 assists in the 83-71 win. • #33 Paora Winitana: The X-factor last time out with 15 points and 10 rebounds, providing energy and boards. • #14 Mario Brunetto (F): Steady double-figure option (10.0 PPG) who gives AWC a consistent frontcourt presence. • #2 Engel Gutierrez (G): Adds valuable backcourt depth and scoring (8.9 PPG), key to AWC's bench advantage.

About Cochise College

Cochise leans on elite guard scoring, with a trio capable of taking over games. To turn the rematch, the Apaches need improved efficiency from their stars and to leverage their edge at the free-throw line (73.9% in the first meeting vs. AWC's 64.7%). After dropping two straight—including the loss to AWC—they have surged back with three consecutive wins and arrive with renewed confidence.

Players to Watch — Cochise College

• #10 Emmanuel Jo Samuel (G): Leading scorer (17.3 PPG); seeks a bounce-back after a 4-for-17 night in the last meeting. • #25 Teron Murray (G): Dynamic at 17.2 PPG; posted 22 points and 7 rebounds against AWC. • #12 Davon Jones (G): Adds 14.3 PPG; had 11 points in the prior matchup and must be efficient to keep pace. • #2 Jhace Johnson (G): Versatile playmaker who logged 20 points and 5 assists vs. AWC. • #5 Naeem Colston (G): Relentless on the boards; grabbed 15 rebounds (9 offensive) in the first meeting to create second chances.

Series and Stakes

Cochise leads the series 27-21 in the past 48 meetings, but Arizona Western has taken the last two, including this season's road win. With ACCAC standings and NJCAA Region 1 seeding implications on the line, AWC looks to cement its recent edge while Cochise aims to seize momentum, grab revenge, and tighten a long-running rivalry.

What to Watch For

• AWC's team defense vs. Cochise's guard trio—especially limiting Emmanuel Jo Samuel's efficiency. • Bench impact: Can AWC replicate the 21-2 reserve scoring edge? • Shooting splits: AWC's 46.3% FG and 38.5% 3PT advantages vs. Cochise's 37.5% and 25.0% marks from the first meeting. • Rebounding battle: AWC's 41-34 edge last time vs. Cochise's second-chance creation, led by Naeem Colston. • Free-throw differential: Cochise's 73.9% at the stripe could swing a close game if they generate contact.

HOW TO WATCH

Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in "The House." It's also teacher appreciation day, all educators receive free admission into the game. The game is also livestreamed on the Matadors Sports Stream with Jalen Fong and Alyssa Rosales on the call. 

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