DOUGLAS, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Cochise College Apaches, looking to solidify a winning record, will host the Southern Nevada Coyotes in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.

Cochise (6-4) enters with a stronger overall mark but seeks to rebound from a narrow 85-82 road loss to Monroe on Dec. 18. In that game, Jhace Johnson posted a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Teron Murray added 20 points and six boards. The Apaches have shown resilience at home this season, including a 92-88 victory over Casper in November.

Southern Nevada (3-4) aims to halt a two-game skid after a 101-77 defeat at Howard (Texas) on Dec. 19. The Coyotes showed offensive sparks in that loss, with Drake Watanabe scoring 21 points in just 18 minutes. Ryan Raad and Ivoryon Cuffee combined for 32 points and seven assists. Southern Nevada’s season has been inconsistent, featuring a high-scoring 101-82 win at Colorado Northwestern alongside several lopsided losses.

This contest opens a critical back-to-back set between the teams, with a rematch scheduled in Douglas for Friday, Jan. 9. It marks the beginning of conference play for both squads within the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.

The Apaches will rely on their interior presence and Johnson’s all-around play. The Coyotes, led by Watanabe’s efficient scoring and Cuffee’s playmaking, need to improve defensively after allowing an average of 95.5 points in their last two outings.

Cochise holds the home-court advantage and a better record, but Southern Nevada’s potent, if sporadic, offense presents a challenge. The game tips off at 7:05 p.m. MST at Cochise’s home court in Douglas.