Cochise MBB advances to NJCAA Region I Championship game

The Cochise College men's basketball used a balanced scoring attack to defeat the Central Arizona College Vaqueros 92-85 in the NJCAA Region I tournament semifinals. It was the third time the Apaches defeated Central Arizona College this season.

Cochise led 45-34 at halftime and then held the lead the entire second half.

Cochise was led by the post play of Stephen "Tank" Byard and Oscar Cluff, who tallied 19 and 17 points, respectively. Freshman guard Tyreese Watson added 16 points in the win, while Sophomore guard Jalun Trent had a double-double with 19 points and ten assists.

Cochise is now 28-3 overall on the season and will play in the NJCAA Region I championship game for the second straight year.

"Our guys did a great job coming out strong from the outset. We were able to get the ball inside and score at the rim," said Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo. "Now we need to focus on Arizona Western as we are now in a position to win back-to-back NJCAA Region I championships."

Up Next
The Apaches travel on Monday, Feb. 28, to Yuma to take on long-time ACCAC rival Arizona Western College in the NJCAA Region I Championship game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in The House.