Balanced Attack Lifts Cochise Past Eastern Arizona in Conference Clash

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Cochise College turned in one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, pulling away in the second half to defeat Eastern Arizona College, 83–71, at the Stronghold Gymnasium.

The Apaches used a 49-point second half to snap their conference skid and improve to 11–8 overall and 1–3 in ACCAC play, closing the game on multiple late runs after a back-and-forth first half that saw six ties and 14 lead changes.

Sophomore guard Teron Murray led the way with a game-high 26 points, while freshman Davon Jones added 21 points and eight rebounds, consistently attacking the rim and finishing through contact. Emmanuel Jo Samuel knocked down four three-pointers on his way to 17 points, and Jhace Johnson chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds as Cochise placed four players in double figures. The Apaches' depth also proved decisive, outscoring Eastern Arizona 70–0 in bench points and shooting 42.9 percent from three-point range for the game. 

After trailing 35–34 at the break, Cochise opened the second half with sharper ball movement and defensive pressure, holding Eastern Arizona to 36 points over the final 20 minutes while steadily building a double-digit cushion in the closing stretch.

Eastern Arizona was paced by Ryan Hunt's 19 points and 14 rebounds, but the Gila Monsters were unable to keep pace with Cochise's balanced scoring and perimeter shooting down the stretch.

Cochise will look to build on the momentum on Wednesday, Jan. 21, when the Apaches travel to Casa Grande to face Central Arizona College at 7:30 p.m.