DOUGLAS, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball (20-7, 10-2 ACCAC) suffered a decisive 110-84 loss to Cochise College on Wednesday night in a rivalry showdown, as the Apaches controlled the contest from start to finish.

The Matadors struggled to keep pace early, falling behind in the opening minutes as Cochise College set the tone with hot shooting and dominant rebounding. Arizona Western found itself trailing 55-43 at the half, unable to slow Cochise's perimeter attack or generate consistent stops defensively. The second half brought more of the same, with Cochise exploding for another 55 points and steadily building their advantage, ultimately handing the Matadors their most lopsided defeat of the season.

Illiam Fevry led Arizona Western with 24 points, shooting 2-of-4 from three-point range and a perfect 4-of-4 at the free throw line, while adding seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 36 minutes. Matt Anglo contributed 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-2 from deep, with three assists and two steals. Boubacar Diatta scored 13 points and was a flawless 6-of-6 at the line, chipping in three assists over 30 minutes. Paora Winitana anchored the boards with a team-high 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, to go along with nine points in 38 minutes.

Arizona Western's bench provided 21 points, but the team was ultimately outperformed in key areas. Cochise knocked down 16 three-pointers at a 50 percent clip and controlled the glass with a 44-34 rebounding edge. The Apaches' efficient ball movement led to 27 assists on 43 made field goals, while the Matadors recorded 15 assists on 26 made baskets. Despite shooting 83.9 percent from the free-throw line, Arizona Western could not overcome the deficit from beyond the arc or on the boards, underscoring the importance of execution and consistency as the postseason approaches.

Arizona Western remains in sole possession of first place in the ACCAC as Eastern Arizona lost to Central Arizona College 79-59. The Matadors remain a full game ahead of Eastern Arizona with three games remaining in the regular season. 

Up Next

Arizona Western returns to The House to host College of Southern Nevada on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. MST. The theme is "Rev it Up" and Chapman Yuma Day. All fans are recommended to dress in their favorite car themed or racing gear.