THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College will play for the Region 1 Championship tonight (March 12th), hosting College of Southern Nevada at Guitteau Gymnasium with a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament on the line.
The No. 16-ranked Gila Monsters (23-6, 13-4 ACCAC) are looking to reclaim the Region 1 title after falling short in last year’s championship game. Despite the loss, they secured an at-large bid to the national tournament and made an impressive run to the Final Four.
This season, EAC and CSN have met three times, with the Gila Monsters winning all three matchups. In the most recent meeting on Feb. 26, Eastern Arizona controlled the game from start to finish in a 72-50 victory in North Las Vegas.
Eastern Arizona’s success this season has been driven by defensive pressure and rebounding dominance. In their three wins over CSN, the Gila Monsters have allowed just 55.3 points per game while forcing 18 turnovers per contest. Their ability to control the boards has also been a key factor, with EAC winning the rebounding battle in each meeting, including a 54-39 edge in the last game.
Sophomore forward Ashlynn Chlarson has been a force inside for the Gila Monsters, finishing with 20 points and 14 rebounds in the previous matchup against CSN. Alongside her, sophomore guard Sarah Deng has been a steady contributor, averaging 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Eastern Arizona’s depth has also been an advantage throughout the season. Freshman guard Trinity Alex-Mayer has provided strong scoring off the bench, including 12 points in the last meeting between the two teams.
For CSN, guard Saroiya Ajomale (20.0 PPG) has been the leading scorer in the ACCAC this season, but she has struggled with efficiency against EAC, shooting just 31.3 percent in the season series. The Coyotes will likely need a strong shooting night from the perimeter after hitting just 27.3 percent from three in their previous matchups against the Gila Monsters.
Kayla Terry (12.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG) and Adrienne Puletasi (8.1 RPG) will be key for CSN in the paint, where the Coyotes have been at a disadvantage against EAC’s rebounding presence.
The winner of tonight’s game will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament. Eastern Arizona earned a spot last season as an at-large selection, but this year, the Gila Monsters have an opportunity to secure their place outright with a victory.
The game will be streamed live on the EAC Athletics YouTube Channel at 7pm. The NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship is scheduled for March 25 through April 1, 2025, at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming.
