Cochise Falls in Overtime to Pima in Aztec Winter Classic Finale

TUCSON, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball pushed Pima Community College to the limit but came up just short in overtime, falling 72–67 on Monday afternoon in the second game of the back-to-back series at the Aztec Winter Classic. The loss drops the Apaches to 3–11 on the season.

Cochise erased multiple deficits throughout the contest and forced overtime after sophomore center Lesline Penge scored at the buzzer to tie the game at 63–63 at the end of regulation. Pima responded in the extra period, outscoring the Apaches 9–4 to secure the win.

Freshman guard Cecy Burruel delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 33 points on 11-of-22 shooting, while adding six rebounds in a season-high 45 minutes. Lesline Penge recorded a strong double-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks, anchoring Cochise on both ends of the floor.

Malika Goutay provided a spark off the bench with six points and 13 rebounds, and Gaby Oliver added six points while helping facilitate the offense during key stretches. Cochise won the rebounding battle 44–31 and scored 13 second-chance points, but was hampered by 34 turnovers, which led to 29 points for the Aztecs.

After trailing by as many as 11 points, the Apaches rallied in the fourth quarter behind Burruel's scoring and timely defensive stops. Cochise shot nearly 58% in the final period to force overtime, but Pima capitalized at the free-throw line and converted a late three to seal the game.

Next Up

Cochise returns to action on Saturday, January 3, traveling to Glendale Community College for a 1:00 PM tip-off in Glendale, Arizona.