Cochise Holds Off Yavapai to Extend Win Streak to Three

Douglas, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball continued its surge in ACCAC play Saturday afternoon, edging Yavapai College 83–80 at the Stronghold Gymnasium to extend its winning streak to three games.

The victory improves the Apaches to 13–8 overall and 3–3 in conference, as Cochise prevailed in a tightly contested matchup that featured 10 ties and 12 lead changes.

Freshman Davon Jones led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the field while adding seven rebounds and three assists. Emmanuel Jo Samuel followed with 17 points, including several key baskets late in the second half, and Jhace Johnson contributed 15 points and six assists to help steady the offense down the stretch. 

Cochise built momentum in the second half behind efficient shooting, finishing the game at 51.7 percent from the field and scoring 42 points in the paint, while its bench accounted for 68 points to provide a decisive depth advantage. 

Yavapai stayed within striking distance throughout the final minutes and trimmed the margin to one possession in the closing seconds, but Cochise sealed the outcome at the free-throw line and forced a final turnover to preserve the win.

The Apaches will look to keep their momentum rolling next Saturday when they travel to Yuma to face Arizona Western College on Jan. 31 at 4:00 p.m.