DOUGLAS, Ariz. (March 7, 2026) — The College of Southern Nevada men's basketball team saw its historic postseason run come to an end Saturday night as Cochise College captured the Region 1 championship with a 102–76 victory in Douglas, Arizona.
Despite the loss, the Coyotes closed the 2025–2026 campaign with one of the most significant achievements in program history. CSN finished the season 16–16 overall and reached the Region 1 championship game for the first time ever, marking the program's first appearance in the regional final and its first Region 1 runner-up finish.
The milestone underscores the growth of the program and the Coyotes' resilience throughout the season, highlighted by their dramatic semifinal victory over top-seeded Arizona Western just two nights earlier.
Saturday's championship matchup began with competitive energy from both teams.
CSN briefly held the lead early after Maximus Romero and Demarion Yap connected on three-pointers during the opening minutes. Christian Ware also provided an early spark off the bench, scoring 12 first-half points while helping the Coyotes maintain pace in the opening stretch.
The teams traded baskets through much of the first half, with the score tied and the lead changing hands multiple times before Cochise gradually began to build separation.
Led by Teron Murray and Jhace Johnson, the Apaches found success attacking the paint and generating second-chance opportunities. Cochise shot efficiently in the first half and carried a 45–37 advantage into halftime.
CSN's perimeter shooting helped keep the Coyotes within striking distance early. The Coyotes knocked down seven three-pointers in the opening half, including two from Romero and another from Drake Watanabe, while Ivoryon Cuffee and Ware added timely baskets during key stretches.
However, Cochise seized control early in the second half.
The Apaches opened the period with a series of efficient possessions, highlighted by inside finishes from Murray and Johnson along with perimeter shooting from Emmanuel Jo Samuel. The scoring surge pushed the Cochise lead into double digits within the first few minutes of the half.
From there, the Apaches continued to apply offensive pressure and gradually extended their lead throughout the period.
Cuffee led the Coyotes offensively, finishing with a team-high 22 points while adding three rebounds and three assists. Ware contributed 12 points and three rebounds, while Romero added 13 points with four three-pointers.
Yap and Watanabe each scored nine points, and Ryan Raad added six points and five rebounds. Myron Hubbard chipped in four points and eight rebounds as the Coyotes battled on the glass throughout the contest.
Cochise was led by Johnson's 22 points and Samuel's 21 points, while Murray added 20 points as the Apaches placed three players above the 20-point mark.
Although the final score reflected Cochise's strong second-half performance, the Coyotes' postseason run will be remembered as a defining moment for the program.
By advancing to the Region 1 championship game, CSN reached a milestone never before achieved in program history. The Coyotes' runner-up finish marks the deepest postseason run for the men's basketball program and establishes a new benchmark as the program continues to build toward future regional title contention.
For the sophomore class and returning players alike, the 2025–2026 season represents both an accomplishment and a foundation.
With their first-ever Region 1 finals appearance now part of the program record, the Coyotes close the season with momentum and a historic achievement that signals the continued rise of CSN men's basketball.
For more information and updates on College of Southern Nevada Athletics, visit www.csncoyotes.com
