High-Flying Cochise Aims to Rebound Against Dawson in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Cochise College Apaches, boasting one of the top records in junior college men’s basketball, look to bounce back from their first loss when they visit the Dawson Community College Buccaneers on Wednesday.

The non-conference matchup pits a surging Cochise squad (6-1) against a Dawson team (8-6) seeking consistency on its home floor.

Cochise’s only blemish came in its most recent outing, a 70-58 home loss to North Idaho on Nov. 22. Despite the defeat, several Apaches posted strong performances. Naeem Colston filled the stat sheet with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a block, while Jhace Johnson dished 6 assists. Teron Murray added 10 points. Prior to that, Cochise had won six straight, including a 92-88 victory over Casper.

The Dawson Buccaneers enter on a back-to-back, having split a road trip in Arizona. They fell 89-68 at Central Arizona on Tuesday but secured a 76-67 win at Arizona Western on Monday. A player to watch for the Buccaneers is Michael Murphy, who contributed 6 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench in the loss to Central Arizona. Murphy had a season-high 16 points in a win over Gillette on Nov. 22.

Dawson’s schedule has been challenging, with five of their six losses coming by single digits, including an 88-86 overtime defeat at Casper and an 82-80 loss at Gillette.

Cochise will rely on its early-season momentum, which featured a dominant 107-40 season-opening win and a tough road victory at Hagerstown. The Apaches’ defense has been a key, holding four opponents under 70 points.

For Dawson, protecting home court will be crucial as they navigate a stretch of four games in five days. Following this contest, Cochise travels to face Monroe on Thursday, while Dawson is off until resuming its schedule in January.

Wednesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. local time.