NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The College of Southern Nevada men's basketball team led at the half and battled down the stretch, but Central Arizona College pulled away late to secure a 91–84 win Saturday afternoon in ACCAC play at the Coyote Event Center.

CSN (12–8, 3–3 ACCAC) carried a 39–36 advantage into the locker room after a competitive first half that featured strong ball movement and interior scoring. The Coyotes shot 44.4 percent in the opening period and limited Central Arizona's perimeter looks, keeping control through the early stages.

Central Arizona (8–12, 2–3 ACCAC) turned the tide after halftime, shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor in the second half while converting timely three-pointers and free throws. The Vaqueros outscored CSN 55–45 over the final 20 minutes to swing the momentum.

CSN was led offensively by Gerald Patterson, who finished with a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Ivoryon Cuffee added 16 points, while Drake Watanabe provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, including four three-pointers. Maximus Romero chipped in 12 points and five assists, and Demarion Yap also scored 12 for the Coyotes.

The Coyotes stayed within striking distance in the closing minutes, trimming the deficit to four points late, but Central Arizona capitalized at the free-throw line to seal the outcome.

CSN finished the game shooting 45.1 percent from the field and held a narrow edge in second-chance points, but Central Arizona's efficiency in the second half proved decisive.
CSN will look to regroup on the road next weekend, traveling to Prescott, Ariz., to take on Yavapai College on Saturday, January 31, as ACCAC play continues.