Cochise Falls to No. 8 North Idaho in EAC Shootout Finale

Thatcher, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball saw its four-game win streak snapped Saturday afternoon, falling 70–58 to nationally ranked North Idaho College in the final day of the EAC Men's Basketball Shootout at Guitteau Gymnasium. The loss drops the Apaches to 6–2 overall as they prepare to return home Tuesday night against AZ Sol Post Grad. 

After a tightly contested first half that ended with the Cardinals holding a slim 32–30 lead, North Idaho found its rhythm after the break, shooting nearly 52 percent from the field and connecting on six second-half three-pointers. Cochise stayed within striking distance for much of the game but couldn't overcome cold shooting and the Cardinals' dominance on the boards. 

Sophomore guard Jhace Johnson led the Apaches with nine points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Teron Murray added 10 points and 3 rebounds. Emmanuel Jo Samuel chipped in 10 points and hit three free throws, and Gabriel Grant contributed 6 points and 2 rebounds in 26 minutes. Freshman guard Devin Falk-Ramirez and forward Gabriel Toribio each added 6 points off the bench. 

Cochise shot 34 percent from the field and 22 percent from beyond the arc, while North Idaho countered with 46 percent shooting and 11 made three-pointers. The Cardinals also held a 43–26 advantage on the glass. 

North Idaho was led by Ace Arnold's 14 points, including 4-for-8 from deep, while Nyale Robinson scored 10 and Jacori Ervin pulled down 10 rebounds to anchor the interior. The Cardinals' bench produced 35 points compared to Cochise's 19, proving decisive in the second half. 

Cochise (6–2) wraps up its three-game slate in Thatcher and returns home to Douglas for a Tuesday, Nov. 25 matchup vs. AZ Sol Post Grad at 7 p.m. in Stronghold Gymnasium.