THATCHER, Ariz. – Eastern Arizona College’s basketball teams experienced both heartbreak and triumph on Saturday night, as the women’s team fell just short in the final seconds while the men’s team secured a convincing 80-68 victory over Arizona Western College.
Women’s Game: Eastern Arizona Falls in Heartbreaker, 51-50
Eastern Arizona (EAC), now 18-6 overall and 9-4 in the ACCAC, led for most of the game, showcasing dominant inside play from Yazmin Edwards and Ashlynn Chlarson. Edwards controlled the paint early, scoring crucial layups, while Chlarson’s midrange shooting kept EAC ahead through the third quarter. The Gila Monsters entered the final period with a 41-37 lead and extended it to six before Arizona Western mounted its late rally.
Despite EAC’s strong defensive effort, Arizona Western (AWC) clawed back with timely three-pointers, including two critical shots from Rita Gomes in the closing minute. With just nine seconds remaining, a controversial foul call sent Dyvine Harris to the line, where she converted both free throws to put AWC ahead by one.
Eastern Arizona struggled in the final two minutes, committing three turnovers and managing only two points during that span. They had one last chance to reclaim victory, but Stephany Goncalves’ three-point attempt at the buzzer was just off the mark. The Gila Monsters fought hard until the final whistle, but Arizona Western’s late-game heroics proved to be the difference.
Chlarson led EAC with 12 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting, adding four free throws and three rebounds. Lucia Auza was dominant on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with nine points. Eanae Dagons contributed nine points, while Goncalves added seven, but turnovers plagued EAC, with 17 giveaways proving costly in the close contest.
Arizona Western was led by Mable Doumbia, who poured in 19 points and grabbed two rebounds. Zonzon-Huyghe added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Gomes contributed nine points, including the two crucial three-pointers that shifted momentum late.
Men’s Game: Eastern Arizona Extends Win Streak to Seven, Stays on Top in ACCAC
The Eastern Arizona men’s team, now 22-3 overall and 11-2 in the ACCAC, extended its winning streak to seven games with a strong second-half performance, pulling away from Arizona Western for an 80-68 victory. The Gila Monsters continue to sit atop the conference standings as they eye the postseason.
EAC built a lead in the second half thanks to efficient shooting and defensive pressure that forced multiple turnovers down the stretch. Kaden Ericksen provided a dominant offensive presence with 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including two three-pointers. Ryan Hunt controlled the boards with eight rebounds while contributing 11 points and two blocks. Armari Carraway was instrumental in facilitating the offense, dishing out nine assists to go along with his nine points from the free-throw line.
JT Elder added 14 points for EAC, while Felix Smedjeback grabbed five rebounds and helped anchor the defense. Off the bench, Jamare Childs chipped in five points and two steals, and Tarrance Warren added nine points and three assists.
Arizona Western battled throughout the contest but struggled to contain EAC’s offensive rhythm in the second half. Edwin Suarez led AWC with 24 points on 6-of-16 shooting, while Engel Gutierrez added nine points. Despite Suarez’s effort, EAC’s defensive pressure forced 13 turnovers, limiting AWC’s ability to mount a comeback.
EAC’s defensive intensity, including key steals by Childs and Carraway, proved pivotal in shutting down AWC’s late attempts at a comeback. A well-timed three-pointer from Ericksen with just over three minutes to play sealed the win, as EAC controlled the tempo the rest of the way.
With the victory, the Eastern Arizona men’s team remains the top team in the ACCAC and looks ahead to continuing its dominant run. Both teams will return to action on February 12th on the road at Yavapai College. The women will tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men at 7:30 p.m., as they continue their push for postseason contention.
