YUMA, Ariz. - The postseason begins tonight for the Arizona Western women's basketball team (19-10) as the Lady Matadors host Central Arizona College (16-14) in the Region I semi-finals. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm MST in the House. The Lady Matadors won all three games during the regular season over the Vaqueras.

About Arizona Western

AWC has momentum despite a recent setback to Eastern Arizona, having won four straight prior. The Lady Matadors have controlled this series with disruptive defense and depth at guard. They turned CAC's mistakes into offense in each meeting and owned the glass last time out, setting the tone for a potential season sweep.

• #22 Mable Doumbia (G, 16.2 PPG): Erupted for 38 points on 17-25 shooting with 11 rebounds and 6 steals in the Feb. 14 win over CAC. Doumbia was also named the ACCAC Player of the Year and a member of the All-region I first team• #1 Chen Pan (G, 11.8 PPG): Dropped 23 points to key the 58-56 January victory. Chan was named to the All-Region I second team• #3 Garance Soulas (G, 9.7 PPG): Showed explosive upside with 33 points on 13-17 shooting in the Jan. 29 win. • #5 Kimora Jenkins (G, 10.2 PPG): Steady double-figure scorer who rounds out AWC's potent backcourt. • #4 Jessica Liena (G, 5.5 PPG): Defensive catalyst; recorded 6 steals in the most recent meeting to spark transition points.

About the Opponent

Central Arizona enters searching for a spark after four losses in its last five games, including a 37-point defeat to Eastern Arizona. Roster availability looms large: top scorers Tianna Knighton and Aniyah Riddell were out in the last 15-point loss to AWC (Riddell also missed the prior meeting). Ball security is the other major key—turnovers have repeatedly fueled AWC runs.

• #22 Tianna Knighton (G, 17.0 PPG): Scored 24 vs. AWC in January; missed the most recent meeting. • #24 Aniyah Riddell (F, 16.4 PPG): Has missed the last two vs. AWC; her return would bolster CAC's interior scoring. • #4 Jordis Reisner (G, 12.5 PPG): Opened the series with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double. • #2 Saniya Jones (G, 9.1 PPG): Stepped up with 21 points and 9 rebounds in the latest matchup. • #5 Ella Reisner (G, 10.0 PPG): Another perimeter threat AWC must track.

Statistical Snapshot and Keys

• Turnovers: CAC committed 45 in the last two vs. AWC, leading to 50 Matador points. In the most recent game, AWC held a +9 edge in points off turnovers (27-18) and logged 19 steals. • Rebounding: AWC won the last meeting's glass 36-26, including a 13-3 edge on the offensive boards that fueled a 17-2 second-chance points advantage. • Scoring depth: AWC's guards (Doumbia, Pan, Soulas) have each posted 20+ point performances vs. CAC this season, complicating the Vaqueras' game plan.

Where to Watch 

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MST in The House. Admission is $10 at the door for the general public and $7 for seniors, military and non-Arizona Western students over the age of 12 years old. The game will also be broadcast on the Matador Sports Stream.

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