Late Push Falls Short as Cochise Drops Tight Contest to Northwest College

Yuma, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball saw its momentum slowed Tuesday night, falling 71–70 to Northwest College (Wyo.) in the opening round of the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic hosted by Arizona Western College. The loss moves the Apaches to 9–3 on the season after a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession. 

Cochise carried a 27–21 halftime lead after holding Northwest to just 28.6 percent shooting in the opening half, but the Trappers flipped the script after the break. Northwest shot 64 percent in the second half, including timely perimeter baskets, to surge in front and build a lead as large as 11. 

Freshman guard Teron Murray turned in a standout performance for the Apaches, pouring in a game-high 34 points on 11-of-22 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Murray scored from all three levels and kept Cochise within striking distance throughout the second half. 

Davon Jones provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, including four three-pointers, and pulled down six rebounds. Naeem Colston chipped in eight points and seven rebounds, while Emmanuel Jo Samuel finished with 10 points despite a tough shooting night. 

Cochise won the rebounding battle 41–33 and scored 18 bench points, but turnovers and cold shooting proved costly. The Apaches finished at 34.8 percent from the field and committed 16 turnovers, allowing Northwest to convert key possessions down the stretch. 

Northwest was led by Mateo Trujillo with 19 points, while Trey Rinn added 16 and Braydon Bradshaw chipped in 15. The Trappers sealed the win at the free-throw line before Cochise's last-second three attempt fell just short at the buzzer. 

Cochise (9–3) will look to bounce back quickly, returning to action Wednesday, Dec. 17, when the Apaches face Dawson College at 5:30 p.m. on day two of the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic in Yuma.