YUMA, Ariz. – The Arizona Western College Matadors women's basketball team (3-5) suffered a 43-33 loss to Mesa Community College on Wednesday night in a non-conference matchup at The House. Despite a strong opening quarter and a double-digit advantage, the Matadors struggled offensively in the second half as the visiting Thunderbirds rallied to claim the win.

Chen Pan led all Matadors with 11 points, adding 3 steals and 2 assists in 35 minutes while battling through foul trouble and ultimately fouling out late in the game. Her energy on both ends set the tone early for Arizona Western.

The Lady Matadors jumped out to a fast start, building a 16-6 lead by the end of the first quarter behind efficient shooting and aggressive defense. The Matadors maintained their momentum in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a 26-18 cushion.

The second half, however, saw a shift in momentum as the Matadors' offense cooled. Arizona Western managed just five points in the third quarter and two in the fourth, shooting 2-for-26 from the field after halftime including 0-16 in the fourth quarter. Mesa capitalized on turnovers and foul trouble, outscoring the Matadors 25-7 in the final two quarters. The Thunderbirds took their first lead late in the third and never trailed again, closing the game on a series of free throws to secure the 10-point victory. The win for the Thunderbirds (2-3) snapped a three game losing streak. The loss for Arizona Western makes it three in a row of their own. 

Mable Doumbia grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds and scored 6 points, while Kimora Jenkins pulled down 6 boards and hit a key three-pointer during a tight stretch in the third quarter. 

Up Next

Arizona Western returns to action at home against Trinidad State College on Friday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. at The House.