YUMA, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball (18-6, 8-1) delivered a hard-fought 69-61 victory over Yavapai College on Saturday at The House, locking down defensively after halftime to move to 8-1 in conference play.

The game was a battle from the opening tip, with neither side able to seize full control through the first 20 minutes. Both teams traded baskets in a physical contest, and a jumper from Paora Winitana with two seconds left sent the teams into halftime tied at 34. In the second half, the Matadors elevated their defensive intensity, holding Yavapai to only 27 points and limiting the Roughriders' starters to just 11 points total.

Arizona Western began to pull away midway through the second half, highlighted by a pivotal sequence with just over six minutes to play. Mario Brunetto drilled a 3-pointer off an assist from Illiam Fevry, stretching the lead to 10 and energizing the home crowd. Down the stretch, the Matadors relied on clutch plays and rebounding, with Marsai Mason finishing a layup inside the final minute to push the lead to eight and effectively seal the win.

Marsai Mason paced the Matadors with a double-double, tallying 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks while converting 6-of-10 from the free-throw line. Off the bench, Mario Brunetto sparked the offense with 12 points, including two 3-pointers. Illiam Fevry added 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go with six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Matt Anglo chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, knocking down 4-of-5 from the stripe.

Arizona Western's team effort was defined by a dominating performance on the glass, outrebounding Yavapai 41-36 with 30 defensive boards. The Matadors also controlled the paint, outscoring the visitors 20-10 inside and using their depth to weather a 50-point outburst from Yavapai's bench. The defensive wall built in the second half proved decisive, as the Matadors' pressure and rim protection stifled the Roughriders' attack and preserved a critical conference win.

Up Next

Arizona Western will travel to Thatcher, Ariz., to face Eastern Arizona College on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in a battle for sole possession of first place in the conference standings, tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MST.