DOUGLAS, Ariz. – Arizona Western College men's basketball (12-5, 2-0 ACCAC) delivered a statement in conference play, never trailing as the Matadors controlled rival Cochise College from start to finish in an 83-71 road win Wednesday night.

The Matadors wasted no time seizing the game, opening on a 9-0 run behind two early three-pointers from Matt Anglo, and never looked back. Arizona Western dictated the tempo throughout, using efficient shooting and stifling defense to keep Cochise at bay in their home gym. By halftime, the Matadors maintained a 41-37 advantage, with composure and timely stops responding to every Apache surge.

Arizona Western's depth was on full display as the bench delivered a dominant 21-2 scoring advantage, highlighted by a momentum-shifting three from Mario Brunetto midway through the second half. The Matadors shot 46.3 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc, while also controlling the rebounding battle 41-34—including 30 defensive boards. Their wire-to-wire control saw zero ties or lead changes, and the team clamped down late to ice the game in the final minutes.

Matt Anglo led the charge with 20 points, 6 assists, 2 steals and an 8-of-14 shooting line, hitting key free throws late to seal the victory. Marsai Mason imposed his will in the paint, notching a double-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks—including 10 defensive boards. Paora Winitana added another efficient double-double, tallying 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 10 rebounds (6 offensive) and 2 assists, powering Arizona Western's inside attack.

Arizona Western's balanced attack overwhelmed Cochise, which was led by Teron Murray's 22 points and Naeem Colston's 15 rebounds. The Matadors improve to 12-5 overall and remain perfect in ACCAC play at 2-0, sending a strong message with a dominant rivalry road win.

Up Next

Arizona Western returns home to host College of Southern Nevada on Saturday, Jan. 17, Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m