THATCHER, Ariz. - March Madness struck in Guitteau Gymnasium on Wednesday night as the Arizona Western women's basketball team (21-10) secured the Region I championship in thrilling fashion, edging No. 1 Eastern Arizona College 51-50 and snapping the Gila Monsters 29 game winning streak. The Lady Matadors captured the victory on a buzzer-beating put back with under five seconds remaining to cap a contest that featured eight lead changes and three ties.

"Biggest win in program history," Former Arizona Western women's basketball head coach Patrick Cunniungham said. "We had some big wins but to win regional on road versus the No. 1 team in the country? Biggest in program history.  Proud moment for Arizona Western."

Garance Soulas delivered a standout performance for Arizona Western, scoring 15 points on 7-of-15 shooting and grabbing six rebounds. Soulas' final basket came in the final seconds, lifting the Matadors to the Region I crown. She also contributed three assists and a key block on the defensive end. Soulas was also named Region I MVP. 

"We've been believing in G all year," Arizona Western head coach Chelsea Dewey said. "I push her in a different way that's a little bit uncomfortable, because I see it, and, you know, so proud that kid has belief in herself, and when she has belief, she is kind of unstoppable. She can do it all. She can guard all, she can post it up. She can shoot it all. So just really happy, and a heck of a rebound at the end."

Arizona Western opened the game on a dominant run, racing out to a 14-4 lead by the end of the first quarter. It marked the largest deficit the Gila Monsters experienced all season. Eastern Arizona responded with a strong defensive effort in the second quarter, outscoring the Matadors and pulling ahead 24-23 at halftime after a 20-9 run.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, trading baskets and defensive stops until the score was locked at 33, heading into the fourth. The final period delivered a dramatic finish, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Soulas gave the Matadors a late advantage with a layup inside the final minute, but it was her offensive rebound and layup in the closing moments that help lead the Lady Matadors to the one-point to the Region I title. With the win, the Lady Matadors pulled off the trifecta in defeating the No. 1 ranked team in the country, snapped their 29-game winning streak and advance to the national tournament with the Region I title in hand.

"That's a heck of a night and kudos to our kiddos," Dewey said. "They kept believing and stuck together, one through 12, all believing all night long. 

Mable Doumbia did what made her ACCAC Player of the Year, providing 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Chen Pan added nine points, three rebounds and three assists, including a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Arizona Western now advances to the national tournament in back-to-back years. More remarkable is this year's team has 11 members who were not on the Lady Matadors roster a year ago. 

"When we recruited these kids, we could see it," Dewey said. "They are all brand new to each other and they don't know how each other played. Once we found that balance, we started to see them gel. They are a really good group, really talented group and it finally showed through tonight. Making it back to nationals is pretty remarkable, but it's not me, it's the kids."

The Lady Matadors now advance the NJCAA DI National tournament held in Lake Charles, Louisiana, March 24-31. They'll find out who they play and what seed they'll get during the NJCAA selection show this weekend.