YUMA, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball team has cobbled back to back milestone victories for head coach Kyle Isaacs. Last week, in a win over Glendale, the Matadors notched 100 wins in four years under Isaacs. On Monday night in the home opener against the Pirates of Palo Verde College, another milestone for coach Isaacs. It was against Palo Verde College that coach Isaacs notched his first collegiate win as a head coach. Monday night, 100 wins later, win number 101 came against Pirates.

"That is very good and some interesting facts," Arizona Western head coach Kyle Isaacs said. "Great opportunity against a team from Blythe, California. They are just a hop, skip and a jump away. They are always really scappy and play really hard." 

Arizona Western (6-2 overall) delivered an offensive clinic at 'The House', overpowering Palo Verde College 97-75 in non-conference action. The Matadors built a double-digit lead by halftime and pulled away with relentless rebounding, hot shooting and a balanced effort across the board.

Arizona Western seized control early, closing the first half on a 14-5 run to take a 43-29 advantage into the break. The Matadors dominated the paint and the glass, outrebounding Palo Verde 48-21, including 15 offensive boards that led to 17 second-chance points. Their inside presence was felt throughout, with the frontcourt trio powering the attack and setting the tone defensively.

After halftime, the Matadors' offense shifted into a higher gear. Engel Gutierrez erupted for 13 points in the first seven minutes of the second half, helping Arizona Western stretch the margin to 62-45. From that point, the Matadors never looked back, with Mario Brunetto providing a spark off the bench and the team's lead swelling to as many as 29 points with under five minutes to play.

Engel Gutierrez delivered a career night, pouring in 32 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 2 three-pointers, while converting 10 of 12 free throws. Gutierrez scored 21 of his points in the second half to put the game out of reach. He also tallied three rebounds and one assist in 30 minutes of action.

Matt Anglo was a force inside, recording a double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds, including 16 points and 9 boards before halftime. Anglo shot an efficient 12-of-18 from the field, added two assists and went a perfect 3-for-3 at the line in 35 minutes.

The bench production was headlined by Mario Brunetto, who scored all 18 of his points after the break and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brunetto finished 7-of-12 from the field and 4-for-4 from the stripe, providing critical minutes that kept the Matadors' momentum rolling.

Paora Winitana anchored the frontcourt with a game-high 14 rebounds and chipped in 7 points, 5 assists and 2 steals, helping Arizona Western control both ends and sustain its tempo.

The Matadors' team effort was on full display, with four players scoring 7 or more points and the bench adding 23. Arizona Western also flexed its discipline, committing only 16 team fouls and avoiding disqualifications. It was just the home cooking in front of the Matador faithful the team needed after starting on the road for the first seven games of the season.

"It was great to be home," Isaacs said. "The first sever were all in hostile envirnments starting in Arizona, then Colorado and Utah. We had a great crowd and very blessed to be here."

Arizona Western shot 54.5 percent from the field (36-66) and an impressive 80.8 percent from the free-throw line (21-26), while forcing 15 turnovers on defense and limiting the visitors to 41.9 percent shooting.

Up Next

Arizona Western continues its homestand Wednesday, Nov. 25, hosting Community Christian College at 'The House.' Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.