YUMA, Ariz. – The Arizona Western College women's basketball team (11-8, 4-1 ACCAC) suffered a narrow 56-53 defeat against #2 ranked Eastern Arizona College on Saturday afternoon at The House, snapping their six game win streak and unbeaten start to conference play. The Matadors erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game late, but ultimately fell just short as a last-second three-point attempt missed its mark.

Mable Doumbia paced Arizona Western with 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting while adding six rebounds and two blocks before fouling out in the final quarter. Jessica Liena delivered a standout defensive performance, collecting five steals to go with eight points and three assists.

Eastern Arizona jumped out quickly, building a 20-11 lead after the first quarter behind efficient perimeter shooting and forcing early turnovers. The Matadors matched Eastern's pace in the second period but entered halftime trailing 33-24, unable to cut into the deficit as both teams traded baskets.

Momentum stayed with the visitors in the third quarter as Eastern Arizona extended its advantage to 45-33 heading into the final frame. However, Arizona Western ratcheted up their defensive intensity in the fourth, using pressure defense to force 19 turnovers and spark a comeback. Garance Soulas knocked down a clutch jumper to tie the game at 47 with under three minutes left. Eastern responded with a three-point play, but the Matadors kept fighting, with Kimora Jenkins converting two free throws to pull within one in the closing seconds. A nearly half court three-point attempt by Chen Pan at the buzzer narrowly missed, sealing the loss.

Garance Soulas finished with nine points and seven rebounds, including the key game-tying basket late in the fourth. Off the bench, Aline Mastelic chipped in six points on 3-of-4 shooting during the late rally. 

Up Next

Arizona Western will look to bounce back on Wednesday, Jan. 28, traveling to face Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz., at 5:30 p.m.