Apaches Fall in Overtime Thriller to No. 3 Southern Idaho, Season Comes to a Close
DOUGLAS, Ariz. — The Cochise College men's basketball team battled one of the nation's top programs down to the final seconds Saturday night, but the Apaches fell 102–96 in overtime to No. 3 College of Southern Idaho in the NJCAA West District Championship at Stronghold Gymnasium.
The loss ends Cochise's season with a 21–12 overall record following a memorable postseason run that included capturing the NJCAA Region I Championship and earning the opportunity to host the district title game.
Cochise controlled much of the early momentum in front of a packed home crowd, building a 35–20 halftime lead with strong defensive pressure and efficient shooting.
The Apaches maintained their lead through much of the second half, but Southern Idaho mounted a late push behind standout guard Jalen Lyn, who finished with 31 points and six assists to lead the Golden Eagles.
Cochise continued to respond down the stretch. With just 24 seconds remaining in regulation, Lyn hit a three-pointer to tie the game 86–86, forcing overtime and setting up a dramatic finish.
In the extra period, Southern Idaho capitalized on second-chance opportunities and key possessions to pull ahead and secure the victory.
The Apaches had several standout performances in the season finale. Teron Murray led Cochise with 28 points, knocking down five three-pointers while adding four rebounds. Jhace Johnson contributed 23 points and seven assists, while Emmanuel Jo-Samuel scored 20 points, connecting on five shots from beyond the arc.
Davon Jones added 11 points, and Devin Falk-Ramirez provided a spark off the bench with six points and four assists.
Despite the tough result, Cochise finished the night shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range and displayed the resilience that defined the Apaches' postseason run.
Southern Idaho improved to 31–2 on the season and advances to the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament.
For Cochise, the night marked the conclusion of a season highlighted by conference honors, a late-season surge, and a Region I championship run that brought postseason basketball back to Douglas.
The Apaches close the 2025–26 campaign with momentum and a strong foundation as the program looks ahead to the future.
