YUMA, Ariz. — The College of Southern Nevada women's basketball team battled back from a 15-point second-half deficit but ultimately fell 70–63 to Arizona Western College on Saturday afternoon at The House.
CSN (16-11, 5-8 ACCAC) trailed by just one at halftime and showed resilience throughout, but a decisive third-quarter surge from the Matadors (18-9, 11-2 ACCAC) proved to be the difference.
The Lady Coyotes opened the contest trading baskets early, with Saroiya Ajomale scoring four quick points and Jada Green converting in transition to keep the game even. After falling behind 8-2, CSN responded with a steady defensive stretch and tied the game at 13-13 late in the first quarter. Arizona Western closed the period with a three-pointer to take a 16-13 lead after one.
The second quarter reflected the defensive intensity expected in an ACCAC matchup. Trista Mabry provided a strong interior presence, scoring six points in the frame and attacking the glass, while Ajomale added six points, including a key three-pointer that trimmed the deficit to two. Mabry's jumper at the 3:09 mark gave CSN its first lead of the game at 27-25. The Lady Coyotes carried a 28-27 advantage briefly before Arizona Western responded, and the teams entered halftime separated by a single possession.
The turning point came in the third quarter.
Arizona Western shot 8-for-13 in the period and connected on 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, erupting for 26 points. Kimora Jenkins fueled the run with multiple three-pointers as the Matadors stretched the lead into double figures. CSN continued to compete, with Ajomale scoring 10 points in the quarter and attacking the rim aggressively, but Arizona Western built a 53-41 lead entering the fourth.
Despite trailing by as many as 15, the Lady Coyotes refused to fold.
Ajomale scored nine points in the final quarter, including a late three-pointer with four seconds remaining. Mabry added five fourth-quarter points, and CSN tightened defensively, outscoring Arizona Western 22-17 in the final frame. The Lady Coyotes cut the deficit to single digits multiple times, but the Matadors' efficient free-throw shooting (14-for-14 for the game) and timely baskets down the stretch preserved the 70-63 result.
Ajomale led all scorers with 29 points, shooting 9-of-24 from the field and 9-of-13 from the free-throw line while adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 39 minutes. Mabry delivered another all-around performance with 13 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Satsuki Bradley added six points and five rebounds, while Alanna Jackson contributed five points and four boards.
CSN outrebounded Arizona Western 35-42 overall but generated 20 second-chance points and forced 27 turnovers, converting those into 26 points. The Lady Coyotes finished 21-for-65 (32.3 percent) from the field and 19-for-35 at the free-throw line.
Arizona Western shot 46 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point range, with Jenkins leading the way with 28 points.
The loss drops CSN to 5-8 in conference play as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The Lady Coyotes continue their road trip as they travel to Thatcher, AZ on Wednesday, February 25, when they play Eastern Arizona College.
For complete coverage of CSN Women's Basketball, visit www.csncoyotes.com
