YUMA, Ariz. — The College of Southern Nevada men's basketball team stayed competitive for much of the afternoon, but Arizona Western College used an efficient and physical second half to pull away for a 95–76 victory over the Coyotes on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 17) at "The House" on the Arizona Western campus in ACCAC play.
CSN traded blows early and even held a brief lead midway through the first half, but Arizona Western's ability to score inside and convert from the free-throw line proved decisive as the Matadors improved to 4–0 in conference play.
Arizona Western opened the scoring with a dunk from Marsai Mason, but the Coyotes answered quickly behind the steady play of
Ivoryon Cuffee and Demarion Yap.
Maximus Romero knocked down a pair of free throws early, and Yap connected on an early three-pointer to help CSN settle in after the Matadors' initial push.
The Coyotes found success attacking in transition and forcing turnovers. Cuffee provided an offensive spark midway through the half, scoring on a pull-up jumper and later knocking down a three to keep CSN within striking distance.
Myron Hubbard controlled the glass defensively, limiting second-chance opportunities and helping the Coyotes stay composed.
With just over 12 minutes remaining in the half, CSN briefly took its only lead of the game when
Drake Watanabe and Cuffee scored on back-to-back possessions. Arizona Western responded with a quick run, fueled by perimeter shooting and interior finishes, to regain control.
Despite Arizona Western shooting 60 percent in the opening half, CSN continued to battle. Romero capped the half with a three-pointer in the final minute, trimming the deficit to 47–39 at the break and keeping the Coyotes firmly in contention.
CSN came out aggressive to start the second half.
Gerald Patterson opened the period with a three-pointer, and Yap followed with another triple moments later to cut the deficit to 47–45, forcing Arizona Western to regroup.
Cuffee continued to attack, scoring on consecutive jumpers to keep the margin at single digits. However, Arizona Western answered every push. Paora Winitana and Boubacar Diatta controlled the paint, while Mario Brunetto and Nikola Aleksic stretched the floor with timely three-point shooting.
As the half progressed, Arizona Western began to separate. The Matadors capitalized on extended possessions, second-chance opportunities, and trips to the free-throw line, gradually building the lead into double figures.
CSN continued to compete, with Yap and Hubbard combining to cut the deficit to eight midway through the half, but Arizona Western closed the door with a decisive run highlighted by perimeter shooting and strong finishes at the rim.
Down the stretch, the Coyotes continued to play through the final horn.
Christian Ware provided a lift off the bench, scoring five points in limited minutes, while
Cam'Ron Hayes added a late basket following a steal.
Cuffee capped his afternoon with a three-pointer late in the game, finishing as CSN's leading scorer, but Arizona Western closed out the contest at the free-throw line to secure the 95–76 win.
Cuffee led the Coyotes with 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, adding four rebounds and two steals. Yap followed with 15 points, knocking down three three-pointers, while
Gerald Patterson chipped in eight points and two assists.
Hubbard pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds to go along with seven points, anchoring CSN on the glass, and Romero added seven points and three rebounds.
Arizona Western was led by Mason, who scored a game-high 24 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting performance. Winitana added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Matt Anglo and Mario Brunetto contributed 13 and 14 points, respectively, as the Matadors shot 56.5 percent from the field.
The Coyotes fall to 12–6 overall and 3–1 in ACCAC play and will look to bounce back quickly as conference action continues. CSN remains on the road, traveling to Thatcher, Arizona, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to take on Eastern Arizona College and the Gila Monsters in another key ACCAC matchup.
