YUMA, Ariz. – The Arizona Western College Matadors women's basketball team (7-7) delivered a dominant performance at "The House" on Thursday night, locking down Dawson Community College 63-34 in the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic. The Matadors controlled the game from the opening tip, surging ahead early and beginning the game on a 10-0 run.

Mable Doumbia led a balanced attack with 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting, adding 7 rebounds, a team-high 4 assists and 3 steals. Doumbia set the tone with efficient offense and decisive playmaking on both ends.

The Matadors' pressure defense forced early turnovers and limited Dawson to just 9 points in the opening quarter. By halftime, Arizona Western had outscored the Buccaneers 17-4 in the second period, highlighted by a timely three-pointer from Chen Pan just before the break, pushing the Matadors' advantage to 31-13.

The third quarter showcased the Matadors' defensive identity as they held Dawson to a single free throw and outscored them 19-1. With a suffocating mix of on-ball pressure and help defense, Arizona Western extended its lead to as many as 37 points. The final frame saw Dawson outscore the Matadors, but the outcome was never in doubt as Arizona Western coasted to the finish.

Marta Vieira added 13 points and collected 7 rebounds, shooting over 50 percent from the field. Chen Pan contributed 12 points and a team-high 8 boards, matching her collegiate high while Garance Soulas anchored the defense with 4 steals and chipped in 9 points. The Matadors forced 23 turnovers and scored 28 points off Dawson's mistakes.

The win brings the Lady Matadors record to 7-7 and also marked the first win streak of the season at two games. 

"This is always how you want to go into the break," Arizona Western Women's basketball coach Chelsea Dewey said. "You don't want to go into it with an L. It doesn't feel good when you come back from break with that L. I think it's really good. We went through a lot of struggles and trying to connect the dots. We're still growing but I like that they continue to stay connected."

It was another night that showcased the Lady Matadors potential. Despite ending 2025 and the non-conference schedule at 7-7, The Lady Matadors began the season ranked #17 in the country. They've lost games they should have won and won games they should have lost.

"We 100 percent have the pieces," Dewey said. "It's just deciding do we want to compete? That's up to us. We're adjusting and I'm adjusting and trying to find the right ways to do this. It's coming along. Unfortunately it's coming together a little more slow than some people want."

Up Next

The Ladt Matadors open ACCAC play by hosting Central Arizona on January 10th, at the "House." Tip off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.