Yuma, AZ - In a heart-stopping first round of the ACCAC playoffs, the College of Southern Nevada Lady Coyotes delivered a stunning upset, edging out the top-seeded Arizona Western College Matadors with a nail-biting 76-75 victory at "The House" in Yuma, Arizona. With this win, the Lady Coyotes (22-9, 10-8) are set to advance to the Region 1 Women's Basketball Championship against Eastern Arizona College on Wednesday night.

The game was an intense back-and-forth affair with numerous lead changes, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams. The Lady Coyotes, who had struggled against the Matadors (25-4, 16-2) during the regular season with a 1-2 record, turned the tables when it mattered most.

CSN's Selina Gutierrez led the charge with a game-high 27 points, including crucial baskets down the stretch that kept the Coyotes in contention. Saroiya Ajomale added a robust 22 points and was pivotal in the rebounding effort, pulling down eight boards. Together, they countered the formidable Matadors, who were led by Rita Gomes's impressive 32 points, fueled by her sharpshooting from beyond the arc.

The Lady Coyotes were trailing at the end of the first quarter but rallied back with strong performances in the second half. The game's momentum shifted multiple times, with CSN finally taking the lead in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. The teams were neck and neck until the final buzzer, with CSN clinching the victory by a single point.

Statistical Highlights:

• CSN's Team Effort: The Coyotes shot 47.2% from the field, with a significant improvement in the fourth quarter where they shot a scorching 75%.
• Battle of the Boards: CSN managed to hold their own in rebounds with 32 total, compared to Arizona Western's 33.
• Clutch Free Throws: Despite struggling from the line at times, CSN hit crucial free throws down the stretch, finishing 20-35 from the stripe.

The victory sets up a thrilling encounter against Eastern Arizona College, where the Lady Coyotes will look to carry the momentum from this upset victory. With the stakes higher than ever, CSN aims to showcase their resilience and aim for the ACCAC championship.

Fans can catch the upcoming championship clash on Wednesday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m., streamed live from Thatcher, Arizona. Watch live here and support the Lady Coyotes in their quest for the title.