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Cochise Women's Basketball splits with Arizona Western, ending 13-game winning streak

Cochise splits with Arizona Western
February 12, 2024

DOUGLAS, Ariz. --- The Cochise College Women's Basketball team came into the weekend riding a 12-game winning streak and were preparing to host an Arizona Western team who gave the Lady Apaches their last loss back in early December on the road. Cochise was looking to add a high-profile win to their resume for the NJCAA selection committee and did just that as they bolstered their winning streak on Friday evening defeating the Matadors for their 13th straight win. On Saturday, the Matadors ended the Apache's win streak with a close back-and-forth affair.

Friday, February 9th: Cochise 60, Arizona Western 55

Friday evening's game was centered around yet another dominant performance from sophomore Fortuna Ngnawo who led all scorers with 20 points and collected 10 rebounds for another double-double. The Apaches and Matadors were knotted up at 15 heading into the second quarter when Cochise managed to add some cushion going into halftime with a 25-22 lead. Ngnawo and Ali Hardwell led the way in the third combining for 12 points, along with six more from Micayla Silas. A tough and physical fourth quarter was back-and-forth until Cochise pulled away late with the win for their thirteenth in a row. Hardwell was 6 for 12 from the field scoring 12 points including four steals, and freshman Michelle Nkolo followed with 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Saturday, February 10th: Cochise 49, Arizona Western 51

As all good things come to an end, so do winning streaks, as Cochise fell short late on Saturday afternoon for their first loss in two months. Both the Apaches and Matadors came out sluggish as the norm due to the new back-to-back days format for the ACCAC DI schools, Cochise led AWC 10-4 after the first quarter and trailed 14-19 at halftime. A last-minute three-pointer from AWC and costly mistakes by Cochise in the final seconds caused the Matadors to leave the Stronghold with a split, defeating Cochise 51-49. Ngnawo led all scorers once again with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Hardwell followed with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Sophomore Shaunice Reed came off of the bench scoring six points.

Up Next..

Cochise Women's Basketball (17-6,12-4) aims to bounce back as they visit Central Arizona College (6-16,5-11) for back-to-back days on Friday, February 16th at 5:30 pm and Saturday, February 17th at 2:00 pm.