Cochise Shoots Past Yavapai for Second Consecutive Conference Win

Prescott, Ariz. — Cochise College men's basketball turned in one of its most efficient performances of the season Wednesday night, defeating Yavapai College 79–60 in ACCAC conference action at Prescott High School Gymnasium.

The victory improves the Apaches to 15–10 overall and 5–5 in conference play, giving Cochise its third consecutive league win as it continues to climb the ACCAC standings. 

Cochise set the tone early, building a 30–22 halftime lead before erupting for 49 second-half points behind sharp shooting and balanced scoring. The Apaches finished the night shooting 56.6 percent from the field and an impressive 54.2 percent from three-point range, knocking down 13 triples to pull away in the final 20 minutes. 

Freshman guard Emmanuel Jo Samuel led all scorers with 27 points, connecting on 7-of-9 three-point attempts and finishing 9-of-13 from the floor. Teron Murray followed with 22 points, hitting four three-pointers and adding key baskets during Cochise's second-half surge. 

Freshman Davon Jones added 13 points while playing a team-high 39 minutes, and Jhace Johnson chipped in six points and seven rebounds. Naeem Colston anchored the interior with 10 rebounds as Cochise won the rebounding battle and limited second-chance opportunities. 

The Apaches also moved the ball effectively, finishing with 11 assists, and held Yavapai to 38.3 percent shooting, forcing the Roughriders into contested looks throughout the night. 

Yavapai was led by Jason Parent, who scored 23 points, and Rudolfs Svitins, who added 15, but the Roughriders were unable to keep pace with Cochise's perimeter shooting and tempo. 

With momentum on their side, Cochise now turns its attention to another conference road test.

The Apaches return to action Friday, Feb. 13, traveling to Henderson, Nevada, to face the College of Southern Nevada at 8:00 p.m. MST.