Late Rally Comes Up Short as Cochise Falls to Dawson in Winter Classic

Yuma, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball came up just short in a tightly contested matchup Wednesday afternoon, falling 84–83 to Dawson Community College on day two of the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic at Arizona Western College. The loss moves the Apaches to 9–4 on the season in a game that featured multiple momentum swings and a frantic final minute. 

Cochise trailed 45–36 at halftime after Dawson controlled the opening half behind efficient shooting and second-chance points. The Apaches responded after the break, outscoring Dawson 47–39 in the second half and cutting a double-digit deficit to one in the closing seconds. 

Sophomore guard Jhace Johnson led Cochise with 20 points, attacking the rim and converting 9-of-10 free throws while adding four assists. Teron Murray followed with 17 points and eight rebounds, continuing his strong tournament play, while Davon Jones added 14 points off the bench, knocking down a pair of three-pointers. 

Naeem Colston delivered a dominant effort on the glass, finishing with 10 points and 16 rebounds, and Emmanuel Jo Samuel chipped in 11 points, including a clutch three in the final seconds that gave Cochise a chance to steal the game. The Apaches finished shooting 40.3% from the field and 83.3% from the free-throw line, winning the rebounding battle 48–46. 

Dawson was paced by Matthew Kinzeler with 13 points, while Brandon Hymes and Michael Murphy each added 12. The Bucs capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 24 points off offensive rebounds, which proved to be the difference in a one-point game. 

Cochise (9–4) will look to bounce back quickly, returning to the floor Thursday, Dec. 18, to close out the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic against Monroe College at 11:00 a.m. in Yuma.