YUMA, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball (10-3) dropped its Chapman Automotive Winter Classic opener, falling 76-67 to Dawson Community College on Monday night. The Matadors battled back from early deficits and saw standout performances from Matt Anglo and Marsai Mason, but turnover struggles and cold shooting from deep proved costly.

The Matadors faced a determined Dawson squad from the outset, trailing by as many as 11 points late in the first half. Arizona Western responded with a 6-0 run, capped by a clutch jumper from Matt Anglo just before the halftime buzzer to trim the deficit to 32-27 at the break. Despite the momentum, the Matadors struggled to find rhythm from the perimeter, connecting on only 4-of-20 attempts from three-point range.

After halftime, Dawson extended its advantage behind timely outside shooting, including a three-pointer by Delray Lilley that pushed the lead to 14 at the 11-minute mark. Arizona Western answered with energy on the boards and contributions from its bench, but each push was met with key responses from Dawson. A deep three from Brandon Hymes with just over two minutes left stretched the margin to 11, stifling the Matadors' comeback bid.

Turnovers were a decisive factor, as Arizona Western committed 22 giveaways leading to 22 points for Dawson. The rebounding battle was nearly even, with Dawson edging the Matadors 46-45, but bench production favored the visitors, whose reserves outscored Arizona Western's 45-39. The key stat was at the free throw line, the Matadors discovered nothing free at the charity stripe, shooting 17 of 33. 

Marsai Mason led the way inside, recording a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive glass while shooting 5-of-11 from the field. Matt Anglo paced the scoring with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, converting 5-of-6 at the foul line.

Mario Brunetto provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting and knocking down 3-of-5 from long distance. Paora Winitana battled on the glass with 11 rebounds, 4 points and 2 steals, helping keep the Matadors in contention throughout.

The Chapman Automotive Winter Classic continues this week in Yuma, offering Arizona Western a chance to regroup and refocus in a competitive tournament setting.

Up Next

Arizona Western continues Chapman Automotive Winter Classic play Wednesday, Dec. 17, hosting Northwest College at The House. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m