THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College continued its dominance in the ACCAC, as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams secured crucial victories over Cochise College on Saturday night.
The women’s team edged out a gritty 61-58 win, holding off a late rally by the Apaches, while the men’s squad pulled away in the second half for a convincing 75-62 victory. The wins bolster the postseason hopes for both programs, with the men moving to 24-3 overall (13-2 ACCAC) and nearing a regular-season title, while the women improved to 20-6 (11-4 ACCAC), remaining in the hunt for a high playoff seed.
Women’s Game: Eastern Arizona 61, Cochise 58
Eastern Arizona built a steady lead through three quarters before fending off a late push from Cochise in the final minutes. The Gila Monsters dominated the rebounding battle 37-25, creating second-chance opportunities that proved to be the difference.
Eanae Dagons led the Gila Monsters with 15 points and six assists, while Danaeja Love chipped in 14 points, including two three-pointers. Ashlynn Chlarson was a force on the boards, finishing with 17 rebounds and 8 points, helping Eastern Arizona control the interior.
The game opened with Cochise jumping out to a 6-0 lead, fueled by early turnovers from Eastern Arizona. However, the Gila Monsters quickly adjusted, using a 16-7 run to take a 16-13 advantage after the first quarter.
Cochise leaned heavily on Jessie Joaquim, who delivered a 15-point, 14-rebound performance, but struggled from the free-throw line, shooting just 64% (16-of-25) as a team. The Gila Monsters took advantage, extending their lead to 31-27 at halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams exchange baskets, with Eastern Arizona maintaining a narrow lead behind Dagons’ timely shooting. Cochise made its move in the final period, pulling within one possession in the final 30 seconds. However, Eastern Arizona locked in defensively, forcing a key miss before Love sealed the game with a free throw.
Key Stats:
Eastern Arizona outrebounded Cochise 37-25, including 10 offensive boards.
The Gila Monsters struggled from three-point range (4-20, 20%) and the free-throw line (11-19, 57.9%) but made key shots late.
Cochise failed to hit a three-pointer (0-5) and turned the ball over 13 times.
Top Performers:
Eastern Arizona:
Eanae Dagons – 15 points, 6 assists, 2 steals
Danaeja Love – 14 points, 2 three-pointers
Ashlynn Chlarson – 8 points, 17 rebounds, 1 block
Cochise:
Jessie Joaquim – 15 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals
Karolina Padilla – 12 points, 3 rebounds
Kaylynn Asberry – 13 points, 2 rebounds
With the victory, Eastern Arizona remains in control of its postseason fate, needing to win out to lock in the No. 2 seed for the ACCAC Region I Tournament.
Men’s Game: Eastern Arizona 75, Cochise 62
Eastern Arizona’s men’s team took care of business, using a strong defensive second half to pull away from Cochise and maintain its spot atop the ACCAC standings.
With the win, the Gila Monsters improved to 24-3 overall (13-2 ACCAC), needing just one more win or a Cochise loss to clinch the regular-season Division I title.
The Gila Monsters were led by a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures. Armari Carraway paced Eastern Arizona with 16 points, 8 assists, and 5 steals, while JT Elder added 11 points and a key defensive presence inside. Ryan Hunt dominated the glass with 14 rebounds and 10 points, helping Eastern Arizona win the rebounding battle 33-26.
Cochise started strong, taking a 35-39 deficit into halftime, behind a dominant showing from Mark Clegg Jr., who posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, Eastern Arizona locked in defensively in the second half, limiting Cochise to just 27 points after the break.
The Gila Monsters took over with a 10-2 run early in the second half, fueled by Carraway and Jamare Childs, who came off the bench to score 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Eastern Arizona continued to force turnovers (10 total), converting them into transition baskets to extend the lead.
Cochise struggled from three-point range (4-20, 20%) and at the free-throw line (10-17, 58.8%), missing opportunities to keep the game closer. Meanwhile, Eastern Arizona shot an efficient 50% from the field and 84.6% from the free-throw line, capitalizing on their trips to the stripe.
The game got chippy late, with both teams receiving technical fouls in the final minutes. However, Eastern Arizona maintained composure, hitting key free throws to close out the win.
Key Stats:
Eastern Arizona shot 50% from the field and 84.6% from the free-throw line (11-13).
The Gila Monsters had five players in double figures, showcasing their depth.
Cochise struggled from three-point range (4-20) and free throws (10-17).
Top Performers:
Eastern Arizona:
Armari Carraway – 16 points, 8 assists, 5 steals
JT Elder – 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block
Ryan Hunt – 10 points, 14 rebounds, 1 block
Jamare Childs – 11 points, 2 three-pointers off the bench
Cochise:
Mark Clegg Jr. – 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists
Isaiah Smith – 13 points, 3-of-8 from three
Ben Henderson – 9 points, 5 assists
Eastern Arizona will now look to clinch the ACCAC regular-season title as they head to Central Arizona College on Wednesday. A single win or a Cochise loss in the coming weeks will secure the championship for the Gila Monsters.
