Cochise Edges Central Arizona in Wild Road Finish to Earn ACCAC Win

Coolidge, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball survived a frantic final minute Wednesday night, holding off Central Arizona College for a 95–92 victory in ACCAC conference action.

The win lifts the Apaches to 12–8 overall and 2–3 in conference play, snapping a short road skid and giving Cochise momentum heading into the weekend.

After trailing 48–40 at halftime, Cochise flipped the script with an explosive second half, shooting 63.3 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes and knocking down timely perimeter shots to claw back into the game. The Apaches gradually chipped away before taking their first late lead inside the final two minutes.

Freshman Emmanuel Jo Samuel delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, scoring a game-high 29 points on 9-of-18 shooting while connecting on five three-pointers and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. 

Teron Murray added 21 points, including several key free throws in the closing seconds to help seal the win, while Jhace Johnson finished with 14 points and six assists. Davon Jones chipped in 14 points, and Naeem Colston controlled the glass with nine rebounds as Cochise placed five players in double figures.

Central Arizona was led by Luke Leatherwood, who scored 24 points, and Brayden Gant, who added 20, but the Cougars were unable to convert on their final possession as Cochise closed the door at the foul line.

As a team, the Apaches shot 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range, overcoming a first-half deficit with improved ball movement and offensive efficiency after the break. 

Cochise returns home this weekend to continue conference play, hosting Yavapai College on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 4:00 p.m. in Douglas.