COOLIDGE, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball (15-6, 5-1 ACCAC) stormed past Central Arizona College 108-98 in a high-octane conference battle on Wednesday night, riding a career performance from Marsai Mason and a relentless second-half charge to secure a statement road victory.

The Matadors faced an early test in a hostile environment, trading baskets with the Vaqueros through a tense opening half. Arizona Western clung to a narrow 46-44 lead at the break, with both teams pushing the tempo and attacking the rim. After halftime, the Matadors erupted for 62 points behind clutch shot-making, aggressive drives and timely contributions from up and down the roster. A momentum-swinging three-pointer from Marsai Mason stretched the lead to double digits with just over five minutes remaining, and the Matadors held off every Central Arizona rally by attacking the paint and converting at the free throw line.

Marsai Mason delivered a night for the history books, pouring in 38 points and grabbing 19 rebounds while connecting on 20-of-22 free throws in 33 minutes. Mason accounted for more than a third of the team's total scoring and nearly half of its boards, setting the tone on both ends and coming up big in clutch moments. Off the bench, Illiam Fevry ignited the offense in the second half, finishing with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting and eight rebounds in just 17 minutes. Paora Winitana contributed a strong two-way effort with 15 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Matt Anglo chipped in 12 points, three assists and a steal over 31 minutes. Nikola Aleksic provided an efficient spark as well, draining two triples and finishing with 10 points in 11 minutes.

Arizona Western's offensive outburst was supported by lights-out shooting and depth. The Matadors shot 51.6 percent from the field and dominated at the charity stripe, knocking down 38-of-41 free throws for a 92.7 percent clip. They also controlled the glass, outrebounding Central Arizona 39 to 32, led by Mason's 19 boards. The bench combined for 26 points, with Fevry and Aleksic providing critical production to stem Central Arizona's runs and keep momentum on the Matadors' side. It was an all-around showcase of toughness and resilience, as Arizona Western put up 62 points in the second half to seize control and close out one of its most impressive wins of the season.

Up Next

Arizona Western returns to The House for a conference rivalry matchup against Cochise College on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. MST.