COOLIDGE, Ariz. - Arizona Western College hits the road to face conference rival Central Arizona College in a high-stakes rematch. The Matadors eked out a 58-56 win on January 10 after erasing an 11-point third-quarter deficit, and the Vaqueras enter this one with momentum from a three-game winning streak. AWC looks to rebound from a narrow 56-53 loss to Eastern Arizona, while CAC seeks payback in what has become a series defined by razor-thin margins.

About the Lady Matadors

Arizona Western leans on a balanced attack led by Mable Doumbia (13.9 PPG) and Chen Pan (12.2 PPG). Pan was the difference-maker in the last meeting, pouring in a game-high 23 points, while Doumbia controlled the game with 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Garance Soulas (8.6 PPG) added 12 points in that 58-56 win, and steady contributors Kimora Jenkins (9.1 PPG) and Marta Vieira (5.3 PPG) impacted the margins—Jenkins posted 9 points and 5 boards, and Vieira tallied 7 rebounds and 3 steals. The Matadors' edge came from extra possessions: they won the turnover battle by six and dominated the offensive glass 11–4. AWC had a four-game win streak snapped by Eastern Arizona (56-53) and will bank on its depth and toughness in another close contest.

About Central Arizona

Central Arizona enters on a three-game winning streak, averaging 86 points per game during that run. The Vaqueras feature a dynamic scoring duo in Tianna Knighton (17.4 PPG) and Aniyah Riddell (17.3 PPG). AWC held Knighton to 7 points on 3-of-12 shooting in the first meeting, while Riddell produced 14 points in just 16 minutes. Guard Jordis Reisner (9.9 PPG) erupted for 17 points and 10 rebounds in that game, with Saniya Jones (9.3 PPG) and ironwoman Ella Reisner (8.4 PPG; played all 40 minutes) providing stability. CAC shot it better last time (42.6% FG, 38.5% 3PT) than AWC (37.9% FG, 22.7% 3PT) but was hurt by turnovers and offensive rebounds allowed. Both teams struggled at the stripe, each shooting under 51%.

• #22 Tianna Knighton (G) — 17.4 PPG; held to 7 in the last meeting, primed for a response. • #24 Aniyah Riddell (F) — 17.3 PPG; 14 points in 16 minutes previously. • #4 Jordis Reisner (G) — 9.9 PPG; posted 17 points and 10 rebounds vs. AWC. • #2 Saniya Jones (G) — 9.3 PPG; steady two-way guard play. • #5 Ella Reisner (G) — 8.4 PPG; played all 40 minutes in the January matchup.

Keys to the Game

• Possessions matter: AWC was +6 in turnovers and +7 in offensive rebounds (11–4) in the first meeting. • Free throws: Both teams shot under 51% last time—improvement at the line could decide it. • Star power vs. depth: Can Knighton/Riddell crack AWC's defensive plan, or will the Matadors' balance win out again? • Momentum vs. bounce-back: CAC's 3-game surge and 86 PPG pace meets AWC's resilience after a 56–53 loss. • Late-game composure: The last two meetings were decided by two points.

Series History

Arizona Western leads the series 14–13 in the past 27 matchups. The last two tilts were both two-point Matador wins (67–65 last season and 58–56 on January 10), underscoring the rivalry's razor-thin margins. CAC seeks to flip the script; AWC aims to make it three straight over the Varqueras. Tipoff is set for 5:30 pm this evening.