Cochise advances to NJCAA Region I championship game with Double OT win over Mesa CC 80-73

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — The  Cochise College Apaches used a 14-2 run in the last 4 in half minutes last night to force overtime and outlasted the Mesa CC T-Birds in front of a packed house in the Cochise Stronghold Gymnasium last night defeating Mesa CC 80-73 in double overtime. 

Cochise was behind in 31-29 at halftime as Mesa CC as the Apaches struggled to push the pace and had a tough time on offense. Mesa pushed the lead to 50-42 with 10 minutes to go and was down 62-50 with 4:30 remaining in the contest. The Apaches then went on a 14-2 run as the second half ended with both teams knotted up at 64. The first overtime ended at 71 all.  In the second overtime the Apaches used timely offense and stingy defense to outscore the T-Birds 9-2 for the win. 

Cochise was led by Oscar Cluff who tallied 26 points and 13 rebounds on the night. Freshman Rile Parker added 19 points for the win. 

Cochise is now 29-2 overall and advance to it's 3rd straight NJCAA Region I title game versus rival Arizona Western College. 

In His Words…

Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo

"Our goal was to play on Monday for another championship and now we are in the NJCAA Region I finals for the 3rd straight year. We did not play our best game of the year, but our guys really rallied to get the win."

Up Next…

Cochise will now host the #2 seed Arizona Western College Matadors Monday night at 7:00 pm for the NJCAA Region I Championship.