Mustangs, Vaqueros Set for AZW Classic Showdown

YUMA, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Monroe Mustangs and Central Arizona Vaqueros meet in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Wednesday at the AZW Classic, with both teams looking to build momentum heading into the holiday break.

Monroe (7-4) enters riding high after a dominant 84-65 home victory over Hagerstown on Sunday. The Mustangs have won three of their last four, showcasing an offense that has topped 80 points in five of their seven wins.

A key to their recent success has been the emergence of forward Fernando De Los Santos. After limited minutes earlier in the season, De Los Santos broke out with a double-double against Hagerstown, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in 26 minutes. He will be a focal point alongside consistent performers Nico Pena and Riley Dunn.

Central Arizona (4-6) snapped a three-game skid with an 89-68 win over Dawson on Tuesday. The Vaqueros have struggled for consistency but possess a high-scoring threat in guard Brayden Gant. He poured in 21 points in Tuesday’s victory and has been a workhorse, averaging 37 minutes over his last four contests.

The Vaqueros will need Gant and forward Luke Leatherwood, who added 15 points and seven rebounds against Dawson, to be efficient against a Monroe team comfortable in up-tempo games.

This neutral-site contest at the AZW Classic presents a quick turnaround for Central Arizona, playing its second game in as many days. Monroe arrives with an extra day of rest after its Sunday win.

Following this matchup, both teams face immediate tests. Monroe remains in Arizona to face Cochise on Thursday, while Central Arizona hosts Northwest on Thursday.

Wednesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. MST.