Cochise Comes Up Short in Tight Loss to Central Arizona

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Cochise College Women's Basketball battled wire-to-wire Saturday afternoon but came up just short in a tightly contested 79–73 loss to Central Arizona College in ACCAC conference action at the Cochise Stronghold Gymnasium. The defeat drops the Apaches to 6–18 overall and 2–7 in conference play.

Cochise opened the game with strong energy, shooting 64.7 percent in the first quarter to build a 25–14 lead. The Apaches maintained control through much of the first half and took a 42–39 advantage into halftime.

Central Arizona responded in the second half, using balanced scoring and perimeter shooting to swing momentum. The Cougars connected on 11 three-pointers and shot nearly 47 percent over the final two quarters to pull ahead late.

Freshman Malika Goutay delivered another standout performance, leading Cochise with 23 points and 16 rebounds, recording her fourth double-double of conference play. Cecy Burruel added 13 points and five assists, while Noa Mikami finished with nine points and five assists.

Hannah Dibadjou contributed 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench, and sophomore Lesline Penge added seven points and 10 rebounds, helping Cochise dominate the glass 46–23.

The game featured 11 ties and 10 lead changes, with neither team able to create separation until the final two minutes. Cochise had multiple opportunities late but was unable to convert key possessions, while Central Arizona sealed the win at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

Turnovers proved costly for the Apaches, as Cochise committed 29, leading to 27 Central Arizona points off turnovers. The Cougars also recorded 23 assists, consistently finding open shooters in transition and half-court sets.

Central Arizona was led by Ella Reisner with 23 points and Jordis Reisner with 20, as the visitors improved to 15–9 overall and 5–4 in conference play.

Next Up

Cochise returns to the road on Wednesday, February 11, traveling to Prescott, Arizona, to face Yavapai College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM.