By Matt Hickman/Sierra Vista Herald
MESA — In a game of violent momentum swings, the last one went the Cochise College men’s basketball team’s way in a 66-62 win at Mesa Community College on Wednesday night to give the Apaches a season-sweep of the rival T-Birds, and keep them a game back of first place in the ACCAC standings.
With the win, the Apaches improved to 20-3 overall.
“Jerry Duckworth made some big shots for us down the stretch,” Cochise head coach Jerry Carrillo said. “But we got real stagnant offensively and they turned the tide on us. We knew they were going to make a run at home. It was a good road win for us.”
Jordan Russell led the Apaches with 16 points, followed by Tim Jacobs with 14, Joe Bell Austin with 12 and Demeco Blue and Duckworth, each with 10 apiece.
On Saturday, the Apaches, who made their return to the NJCAA top 25 at No. 24 on Tuesday, play at Eastern Arizona, looking to sweep the Gila Monsters after defeating them 96-85 in Douglas on Dec. 5.
Cochise women
MESA — The Cochise College women’s basketball team, also making its return to the nation’s top 25 at the No. 24 spot, had little trouble avenging a loss earlier this season to the NJCAA’s fourth-ranked Division II team, Mesa, on Wednesday night.
Jasmine Lemon scored 18 points and Johnishia Welles scored 11 to go with nine rebounds as the Apaches won 61-44.
“We came up with a lot of transition baskets; our defense created a lot of offense in the second half,” Cochise head coach Laura Hughes said. “It was nice; a little payback for them beating us on our home floor.”
Justina Prairie Chief added 10 points for the Apaches, who visit Eastern Arizona on Saturday. The 20-3 Apaches defeated Eastern 82-63 in Douglas on Dec. 5.