The Apaches overcomes a slow start with a strong second-half performance extending their winning streak to five games.
The Cochise College men’s basketball team kept sole possession of the first place position in the ACCAC with a solid 80-69 win on the road at Eastern Arizona College last night.
“It was a very solid team win tonight. Our guys off the bench sparked us tonight,” Jerry Carrillo, the head coach, said. “Kalep Crane, Johnny Garcia, Kyle Moore, and Donte Dupriest showed great efforts to help us in the road win, despite starting the game slowly.”
Cochise was down 32-29 at halftime but outscored the Gila Monsters by 14 points in the second half to secure the win. Cochise was led by Freshman Stephen “Tank” Byard, who poured in 22 points, while Sophomore Patrick Samoura added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Jalun Trent chipped in 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in the victory.
“Coach Carrillo challenged our guys at halftime about honoring the process and playing the right way for 20 minutes,” added Assistant Coach Derek Lane. “And our guys responded. We did come out flat after giving them a near 50 piece the first outing.”
Cochise is now 5-1 in ACCAC play and 5-2 overall on the Spring ’21 Season.
“Our coaches challenged us at halftime to have a sense of urgency going into the second half,” Patrick Samoura, Cochise College Forward, said. “I am proud of my teammates for stepping up to the challenge. We need to continue to have great energy.”
The Cochise College men’s basketball team will be back at home on the Douglas Campus hosting Eastern Arizona College on Friday, March 5. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Stronghold Gymnasium.