Cochise Holds Off Casper to Win Fourth Straight at EAC Shootout

Thatcher, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball continued its early-season surge Friday night, defeating Casper College (Wyo.) 72–65 at the EAC Men's Basketball Shootout in Guitteau Gymnasium. The Apaches improved to 6–1 overall, notching their fourth consecutive win and their second in as many days in Thatcher. 

Cochise built a 40–33 halftime lead behind sharp shooting and physical play in the paint. The Apaches kept their composure down the stretch as Casper closed the gap in the second half, holding the Thunderbirds scoreless over the final two minutes to secure the win. 

Freshman guard Teron Murray powered Cochise with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, attacking inside and converting key buckets late. Emmanuel Jo Samuel followed with 17 points, knocking down four three-pointers to pace the perimeter attack. Jhace Johnson orchestrated the offense efficiently with 10 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. 

Off the bench, Davon Jones added 9 points and 5 boards, while Gabriel Grant contributed 7 points and 6 rebounds. As a team, the Apaches shot 49% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc, while holding Casper to 38% overall and just 6-of-23 from three. 

Cochise also won the rebounding battle 38–32 and turned defense into offense, forcing 14 turnovers and turning them into 17 points. Despite a cold stretch from the free-throw line (10-for-20), the Apaches' balance and depth made the difference. 

Casper was led by Nate Wilson with 16 points and Kian Rhoades with 13. The Thunderbirds cut a double-digit deficit to three midway through the second half but couldn't overcome Cochise's poise and execution in the closing minutes. 

The Apaches (6–1) look to complete their three-game run in Thatcher on Saturday, Nov. 22, facing North Idaho College at 4:00 p.m. in the finale of the EAC Men's Basketball Shootout.