Cochise pulls off upset win versus #10 Howard College
Apaches use a strong defensive effort in rare Thanksgiving eve home matinee in upset win
Douglas, ARIZ. — After a long 10-day lay-off after going 3-0 in the Pima Aztec Classic, the Cochise College Apaches returned home to the friendly confines of the Cochise Stronghold Gymnasium to host the #10 ranked Howard Hawks of vaunted NJCAA Region V. The Thanksgiving Wednesday 3:00 pm tip-off was a first. Still, it turned into a classic Cochise home victory.
Cochise jumped out to a 39-33 halftime lead and pushed it to as many as 18 points in the second half as the Apaches held Howard to 24 points in the second half due to a very strong defensive effort. Howard ended the contest with a made 3-point FG with two seconds remaining to make the final score 71-57 for Cochise. Cochise was led in scoring by freshman guard Jackson Tumbridge, who tallied 18 points off the bench with 5 made 3-point FGs. Sophomore, Ben Henderson continued his stellar play with 16 points and 5 rebounds in the win.
Cochise moves to 6-2 on the young season.
IN HIS WORDS….
Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo
"That was just a great team effort tonight at home versus a top 10 NJCAA opponent, that is a huge win for our team! Howard was pre-season #2 in the nation and #10 this week. Our defensive effort was outstanding for 40 minutes and our guys are starting to understand our 5-out offense much better. Jacko came off the bench are made shots, while Ben is just playing so well. Assistant Coach Derek Lane did an outstanding job in the scout and preparation for this upset win".
UP NEXT…
Cochise is back on the road next Wednesday, 12/4, to take on defending NJCAA Region I champion Eastern Arizona College in ACCAC conference play. The tip-off is set for 7:30 in Thatcher, AZ.