YUMA, Ariz. - The Arizona Western College women's basketball team (5-7) dropped a 61-49 non-conference decision to Casper College on Tuesday night in the Lady Matadors opening game in the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic. The Lady Matadors led after the first quarter but were ultimately overcome by the Thunderbirds' flawless perimeter shooting and dominant rebounding.

Mable Doumbia and Chen Pan paced the Matadors with 14 points apiece. Doumbia also led the team with 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Pan shooting helped to keep Arizona Western within striking distance.

The Matadors got off to a promising start, holding Casper College to 10 points in the opening quarter and building a seven-point lead after a late three-pointer from Pan. Arizona Western's defense was disruptive in the early going, forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities. However, the momentum shifted in the second period as the Thunderbirds heated up from outside. Luna Ueda's three-pointer capped a run that put Casper ahead 21-20, erasing Arizona Western's advantage. By halftime, the Thunderbirds led 33-25 after a 23-point second quarter.

Casper College continued to control the glass and shoot with precision in the second half, extending their lead to as many as 20 points in the third quarter after a Kennedy Davila three-pointer. Arizona Western's offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only 7 points in the third period as the visitors' Hassana Amadu dominated the boards. The Matadors responded in the fourth, outscoring Casper and trimming the deficit, but the early damage proved too much to overcome.

Garance Soulas contributed 11 points and 2 steals, providing a spark at both ends of the floor. Aline Mastelic came off the bench to score 6 points on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, while Doumbia and Pan co-led the offense.

Up Next

Arizona Western returns to action Wednesday, Dec. 17, hosting Northwest College at 5:30 p.m.