Apaches go 1-2 in Hobbs, NM over the weekend

HOBBS, New Mexico --- The Cochise Men's Basketball team wrapped up a three-day, three-game swing in Hobbs, New Mexico, last weekend in which the Apaches took one of three. The Apaches took the road in their first trip of the young season and grabbed a Thursday evening win over the University of the Southwest (JV), and fell short to Frank Phillips and New Mexico Junior College.

Thursday, November 7th: Cochise 132, University of the SW 51

The Apaches jumped out to a large 67-33 lead at halftime behind sophomore leaders Mark Clegg Jr. and Isaiah Smith who each put up 10 points in the first half, with Smith shooting 2 for 3 in 3-pointers. Cochise ran away with a lopsided 132-51 win over the Mustangs led by Clegg, who was the leading scorer with 18. Clegg also collected 10 rebounds to lead both teams. Sophomore transfers Ben Henderson and Alexander Zambonetti followed with 16 points each.

Friday, November 8th: Cochise 92, Frank Phillips 97

Day 2 in Hobbs was a close back-and-forth affair between the Apaches and the Plainsmen of Frank Phillips College with both teams knotted at 45 at halftime. Mady Traore of FPC began a hot streak in the second half of the game, going 4 for 6 from 3-point land, scoring 20 points to give the Plainsmen a close win over Cochise 97-92. Henderson went on an offensive explosion himself, scoring 37 points for the Apaches, sinking each of the eight free throws he attempted, and going 3 for 7 from beyond the arc. Smith came off of the bench for Cochise scoring 15 points with three rebounds and an assist.

Saturday, November 9th: Cochise 62, NMJC 81

The weekend ended with the Apaches facing the host school, New Mexico Junior College, Saturday afternoon. The Thunderbirds were led by Armon Jarrard, who scored 10 points in the first half with three 3-pointers to give NMJC a 35-26 at the halfway mark. The Apaches attempted to claw back into the game in the second half behind Henderson and Clegg, who each led with 12 and 11 points in the second half, respectively. The Apaches fell short to NMJC 81-63, but showed promise from Ben Henderson, who scored 19 total points to lead all scorers for a second straight day. Clegg followed, going 4 for 10 with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Up Next...

Cochise Men's Basketball (2-2) will continue their road swing now, heading to Tucson for the Fall Pima Basketball Tournament at Pima College. The Apaches will face Big Bend College (November 14th) at 2:00 pm, Dallas College-Eastfield (November 15th) at 2:00 pm, and Wenatchee Valley College (November 16th) at 12:00 pm.