Cochise Falls to Monroe in Finale at Winter Classic

Yuma, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball closed out the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic with an 85–82 loss to Monroe College on Thursday morning at The House in Yuma. The defeat drops the Apaches to 9–5 on the season and marks their third consecutive loss heading into the holiday break. 

Cochise trailed 39–32 at halftime but delivered a strong second-half response, shooting 54.5 percent after the break and erasing multiple deficits to keep the game within reach down the stretch. The Apaches briefly took the lead midway through the second half before Monroe capitalized at the free-throw line in the final minute to secure the win. 

Sophomore guard Jhace Johnson led Cochise with a game-high 21 points, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists in an all-around performance. Teron Murray followed with 20 points, while Emmanuel Jo Samuel scored 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers to continue his strong week of play. 

Naeem Colston pulled down nine rebounds, and Gabriel Toribio provided a lift off the bench with six points and nine rebounds. Cochise won the rebounding battle 55–33 and outshot Monroe from the free-throw line, but 24 turnovers proved costly, leading to 35 points off turnovers for Monroe. 

Monroe was paced by Naceiar Kirksey, who scored 22 points, while Faquir Mosley added 16 off the bench. The Mustangs used bench production and late-game execution to hold off Cochise's comeback attempts.

The contest marked the final game before the holiday break for the Apaches, who will look to reset and regroup ahead of conference play.

Cochise returns to action Saturday, January 3, 2026, traveling to Glendale Community College for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off in Glendale, Arizona.