Apaches Grind Out Third Straight Win, Hold Off Hagerstown 70–66 at EAC Shootout

Cochisehagerstown
November 20, 2025

Thatcher, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball continued its strong run at the EAC Men's Basketball Shootout on Thursday evening, battling through a physical matchup to defeat Hagerstown Community College (Md.) 70–66 at Guitteau Gymnasium. The victory pushes the Apaches to 5–1 on the season and marks their third consecutive win.

Cochise trailed 35–31 at the half but responded with poise and defensive toughness, outscoring Hagerstown 39–31 over the final 20 minutes. The Apaches shot an even 44% from the field, but it was late-game composure—especially at the free-throw line—that sealed the win. Cochise knocked down 21 of 27 free throws, including several in the final minute as Hagerstown tried to extend the game.

Freshman guard Teron Murray powered the Apaches with 15 points and 7 rebounds, showing up consistently in key moments while contributing three assists and two steals. Fellow freshman standout Emmanuel Jo Samuel added 14 points, hitting three three-pointers and going 3-for-4 at the stripe. 

Point guard Jhace Johnson once again delivered a steady, all-around performance, totaling 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, while directing the Apache offense with pace and control. Off the bench, Davon Jones added 10 points in 30 productive minutes, and freshman sharpshooter Devin Falk-Ramirez chipped in 5 points, including a momentum-shifting three in the second half. 

Cochise's interior presence was anchored by Gabriel Grant, who finished with 6 points, 11 rebounds, and a key shot block, helping the Apaches win the rebounding battle 36–30. As a team, Cochise converted 20 points off turnovers, using defensive pressure to offset Hagerstown's 28-26 edge in points in the paint. 

Hagerstown was led by Najeh Allen, who scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Dominic Carr added 12 points, and Xavier Pickett scored 10, but the Hawks struggled at the free-throw line (12-of-22) and from deep (4-of-21), unable to match Cochise's late execution.

With the win, Cochise (5–1) continues its three-game stretch in Thatcher. The Apaches return to action Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:00 p.m., taking on a strong Casper College squad in the second game of the EAC Men's Basketball Shootout.