Apaches use a balanced scoring attack in dismantling the Vaqueros.
The Cochise College Men’s Basketball team evened up their ACCAC conference record to 1-1 yesterday with a convincing 82-66 victory over ACCAC foe Central Arizona College. Yesterday marked the first-ever 4 p.m. ACCAC Saturday “matinee” in Apache history, thus eliminating the “Saturday night in the Stronghold” experience like none other in JUCO hoops. Nevertheless, the Apaches were able to lead from start to finish.
The Apaches took a 37-28 lead into the halftime break and pushed the lead to as many as 22 points in the second half.
“As a staff, we are very excited about this group. It was so good to see our guys build on the defensive effort we had on Tuesday night in our loss versus Arizona Western College,” said Head Coach Jerry Carrillo. “We came out, defended with pride, and we were able to move the ball in transition.”
Cochise was led by Sophomore Patrick Samoura, who garnered a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Stephen “Tank” Byard added 17 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore guard Brian Rios shot the ball well as he added 14 points with 4 three-point field goals. Local Cochise County product Quay Gentry had a very good floor game and added 13 points. Freshman Jonathan Garcia chipped in 13 points off the bench while bolstering a very balanced offensive attack for the Apaches.
“Having five guys score in double figures shows that sharing the ball and ball movement leads to success,” added Carrillo. “Jalun Trent is getting better about pushing the ball and getting the defense on its heels.”
Cochise is now 1-1 in ACCAC play and 1-2 overall in the young “Covid ’21” season.
“Hopefully, we can continue to use practice time to improve and get our guys to move the ball and eliminate so many odd “Hero Plays,” said Carrillo. “Also, Patrick Samoura is working hard on the defensive end and is rebounding the ball at such a high clip. He really helps our team in so many ways.”
Early this morning, we were informed that Pima CC would cancel or postpone their ACCAC scheduled game this Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Next Up
Cochise will host Eastern Arizona College on Tuesday, Feb. 16, for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off in the Stronghold Gymnasium. No spectators permitted. Please enjoy the game via live stream. Click on the Watch Live link on the athletics.cochise.edu website.