Cochise Edges College of Southern Nevada for Third Straight Win
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Cochise College men's basketball battled through a tightly contested road matchup Thursday night, earning a hard-fought 77–73 victory over the College of Southern Nevada in ACCAC conference action at the Coyote Event Center.
The win marks three consecutive victories for the Apaches, improving Cochise to 16–10 overall and 6–5 in conference play as they continue to gain momentum in the second half of the season.
Trailing 42–38 at halftime, Cochise rallied in the second half behind clutch scoring and defensive stops down the stretch. The game featured multiple lead changes and ties, but the Apaches executed in the final minutes, converting key free throws and forcing contested shots to secure the four-point win.
Naeem Colston led Cochise with 18 points and seven rebounds, providing consistent interior scoring and second-chance opportunities. Davon Jones matched him with 18 points and eight rebounds, including key late free throws to help seal the victory.
Jhace Johnson added 15 points and three assists, while Emmanuel Jo Samuel contributed nine points and five rebounds. Teron Murray pulled down seven rebounds to help Cochise control the glass in critical moments.
Cochise outrebounded Southern Nevada 46–44, scored 32 points in the paint, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to overcome a strong perimeter shooting performance by the Coyotes.
Southern Nevada was led by Drake Watanabe with 20 points and Demarion Yap with 18, but Cochise's defensive pressure and late-game composure proved decisive.
With the road win, Cochise continues its upward trend in conference play and returns home looking to extend its streak.
The Apaches return to action Wednesday, Feb. 18, hosting Arizona Western College at 7:30 p.m. inside Stronghold Gymnasium in Douglas.
