THATCHER, Ariz. - A return trip to the national tournament is in the sights of the Arizona Western women's basketball team but to get there, they must defeat the No. 1 ranked team in the country in Eastern Arizona. 

The Lady Matadors enter at 20-10, while the Gila Monsters come in at 29-1 riding a 28-game winning streak. It's the fourth meeting this season, with AWC aiming to break through and earn a statement win. Arizona Western arrives to Thatcher with the ACCAC "Player of the Year" and All-Region I first team member Mable Doumbia along with All-Region I second team member Chen Pan. Meanwhile, the Gila Monsters are set to counter with All-Region I first teamer Esmeralda Enriquez, All-Region I second teamer Eanae Dagons, ACCAC "Defensive Player of the Year" Trinity Alex Mayer and "Coach of the Year" Angelica de Paulo.

About the Lady Matadors

Arizona Western has shown stretches of strong play in this matchup and will lean on its backcourt to change the narrative. Leading scorer Mable Doumbia (16.3 PPG) is the X-factor; she posted 23 points and 10 rebounds on Feb. 12 and 15 points on Jan. 24, but did not play in the Feb. 28 loss. Secondary scoring and ball security are paramount: Chen Pan (12.0 PPG) needs a bounce-back after being held to six combined points across the last two meetings, while shooters like Kimora Jenkins (10.3 PPG; 16 points and four threes on Feb. 12) can stretch the floor. Garance Soulas (9.5 PPG) provides stability and minutes in the backcourt, and defensive spark plug Jessica Liena (5.7 PPG) has been disruptive with five steals in the first meeting and two in the most recent game. For AWC to push EAC, the Matadors must value possessions, rebound collectively, and convert at the free-throw line. along with All-Region I second team member

• Protect the rock: EAC turned 26 AWC turnovers into 32 points in the last meeting. • Own the glass: AWC was outrebounded 41-24 (15-8 on the offensive boards). • Find efficiency: AWC shot 34.8% from the field and 50.0% at the line (10-for-20) in the Feb. 28 game. • Lean on Doumbia's impact and get Pan/Jenkins going early to balance the attack.

About the Gila Monsters

No. 1 Eastern Arizona arrives as a juggernaut at 29-1 with a 28-game winning streak, featuring recent blowout wins of 121-58 (Southern Nevada) and 102-65 (Central Arizona). The Gila Monsters are 3-0 against AWC this season, with margins of 56-53, 66-54, and 71-44. They've excelled in pressure defense, rebounding, and efficiency—shooting 43.6% from the field and 83.3% at the line in the most recent meeting.

• #0 Esmeralda Enriquez (G, 15.4 PPG): Dropped 25 points in each of the last two wins over AWC. • #4 Eanae Dagons (G, 9.6 PPG): Reliable scorer with 13, 17, and 10 points in the series; active defensively (3 steals on Feb. 12). • #11 Lucia Auza (G): 14 points and 6 boards in the first meeting; tough on the glass from the guard spot. • #24 Danaeja Romero-Ah Sam (G): Floor-spacer who hit four threes for 14 points in the first matchup. • #22 Stephany Goncalves (G): Do-it-all guard; posted 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block on Feb. 28.

Series and Matchup Notes

Eastern Arizona leads the all-time series 17-11 and is 3-0 vs. AWC this season, with each win growing more decisive. AWC's last series win came in a 51-50 nail-biter over a year ago, February 8th, 2025, in Thatcher. To flip this fourth meeting, the Matadors must neutralize EAC's pressure, compete on the boards, and ride Doumbia's two-way impact. A win for Arizona Western sends them to the national tournament for the second consecutive season. A loss tonight will end Arizona Western's season. Should Eastern Arizona get tripped up by Arizona Western, they would likely earn an at-large bid to the national tournament.

Tipoff is set for 7:00pm MST in Thatcher, Arizona. You can also watch the game live on the Eastern Arizona YouTube link. https://www.youtube.com/@eacmonsters