Apaches lead for the majority of the game, gets 5th straight win

There is nothing better than winning Saturday night’s game in the Stronghold Gymnasium vs. Arizona Western. The Cochise College men’s basketball team won with a score of 76-66 in a game where the Apaches led for 38 of a possible 40 minutes. The win puts Cochise on a five-game winning streak and allows them to hold on to second place in the ACCAC with a 17-6 overall record and 11-4 in the ACCAC. 

Cochise started with a 4-0 lead after the first four minutes and continued to lead throughout the first half. As half time ended, the score was tied at 35.

Sophomore Naje Smith scored 17 of his game-high of 24 points in the second half. Late in the game, Smith scored with two jumpers and went five of six from the free throw line, which sealed the win. 

Other players contributed to the overall score. Sophomore Milan Szabo has played well as of late, and last night was no different finishing with nine points and six rebounds. Freshman Kyle Moore provided massive amounts of energy off the bench. At the same time, the All Philadelphia backcourt of Damon Wall and Arion Lewis continued to provide scoring and shot-making ability.

Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo

“Our players stepped up and protected their home court,” Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo said. “While our defense was ok at times tonight, we were having some problems scoring early. In the second half, we were able to open it up a little bit more and pull away for the win.” 

Stat(s) of the Night

AWC was 3-8 from the free throw line on the night.

Up Next

The Apaches host Eastern Arizona College at the Stronghold on Wednesday, February 5, in a showdown of the top two teams in the ACCAC. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Admission to the games is free.  

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