Cochise uses strong second half defensive effort to beat Mesa T-Birds in return home to Stronghold Gymnasium 75-61

DOUGLAS, Ariz. -- Cochise used a very strong second half defensive effort to pull away from the Mesa CC Thunderbirds for a 75-61 ACCAC win in the Stronghold Gymnasium last night. 

Cochise was able to overcome a sluggish start and take a 35-29 halftime lead due to the efficient inside play of Sophomore, Oscar Cluff. Cluff stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocked shots for the night.  Sophomore Tyreese Watson added 20 points, while Freshman, Jalen Barbee chipped in 10 points.  

Cochise has now won 24 straight games, trailing only College of Southern Idaho for the nation's longest winning streak. Cochise is currently ranked #12 in the nation in the latest NJCAA DI National poll, and #9 in the JucoAdovate Media Poll.  

Cochise is now 26-2 overall and 20-0 in ACCAC play.

In His Words…

Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo

"We did not come out with great defensive energy or effort to start the game. With that said our guys really locked in and defended with great pride and integrity in the second half to close the game out.  Our FG % Defense was an excellent 30% in the second half—that is outstanding. "

Up Next…

Cochise will close out its regular season home games with a 2:00 pm tipoff versus South Mountain CC in the Stronghold Gymnasium on Saturday, February 25th.  The Apaches will honor the Sophomores for their success prior to the game.