Las Vegas, NV – In a thrilling basketball matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes faced off against Arizona Western College (AWC) in a game that went down to the wire. Despite a valiant effort, the CSN Coyotes fell just short, losing to AWC by a score of 77-76 at the Doolittle Community Center on November 18, 2023.

The game started with high energy as both teams looked to gain an early advantage. AWC took control in the first half, outscoring CSN 42-30. Alexis Marmolejos, leading the CSN Coyotes, displayed an impressive performance in the opening half with 12 points, including a crucial 3-pointer. Edwin Suarez also contributed with his remarkable rebounding skills, grabbing an astounding 20 rebounds in the first half alone.

In the second half, the CSN Coyotes came back with renewed determination. They made significant improvements on both ends of the floor, outscoring AWC 46-35. The Coyotes showed great teamwork and ball movement, with Lorenzo Abellar leading the way with his nine assists, four rebounds, and 17 points. A'lyjah Conway-Wilson was another standout player for CSN, contributing 22 points and making some crucial plays down the stretch.

The game was not short of drama as the lead changed multiple times throughout the contest. The Coyotes managed to cut down AWC's lead from 16 points in the first half to just one point in the closing minutes of the game. With the clock ticking down, CSN had a chance to steal the victory, but a last-second shot attempt fell short, allowing AWC to escape with a narrow 77-76 win.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the CSN Coyotes showcased their determination and fighting spirit in this thrilling matchup. Head Coach John Smith praised his team's effort and resilience, stating, "Our guys played their hearts out today. We were down big in the first half, but they never gave up and fought back. It's tough to lose such a close game, but we'll learn from this and come back stronger."

Alexis Marmolejos led the Coyotes in scoring with 24 points, and Edwin Suarez recorded a double-double with 15 points and an astounding 24 rebounds. Lorenzo Abellar's all-around performance, including 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, was a bright spot for CSN.

On the other side, AWC's A'lyjah Conway-Wilson had a standout game, leading his team with 22 points and contributing crucial plays in the closing moments to secure the victory.

The attendance at the Doolittle Community Center was 201, showing strong support for the CSN Coyotes. Despite the loss, fans left the arena with a sense of pride in their team's effort and a belief that better days are ahead for CSN basketball.

The CSN Coyotes will now regroup and continue their efforts to secure their first win of the season. They look forward to their upcoming games with a renewed sense of determination and the belief that they can turn their season around.