Preview: Central Arizona at Eastern Arizona Men’s Basketball

THATCHER, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters will look to protect their home court and solidify a winning record when they host the Central Arizona Vaqueros in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

Eastern Arizona (9-7) enters with momentum from a narrow 79-77 victory over Yavapai on Saturday. The Gila Monsters have been strong at home this season, boasting several decisive wins in Thatcher.

Central Arizona (5-8) seeks to halt a two-game skid, most recently falling 89-85 at Arizona Western on Jan. 10. The Vaqueros have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in their past five contests.

A key matchup will feature two of the region’s top scorers. Eastern Arizona is led by Kahu Treacher, who dominated in the win over Yavapai with 23 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in just 26 minutes. His efficiency provides a major offensive catalyst for the Gila Monsters.

Central Arizona will rely on the high-volume scoring of guard Tayshaun Jackson. He is coming off a career performance, logging 40 minutes and scoring 25 points in the loss to Arizona Western. Jackson has averaged 14.3 points over his last four games, serving as the focal point of the Vaqueros’ offense.

Supporting players could tip the balance. For Eastern Arizona, Ryan Hunt (17 points, six rebounds against Yavapai) and facilitator Ryder Bush, who dished out 10 assists in that game, offer versatile production. Central Arizona’s Nathan Wanjohi (16 points, nine rebounds last game) and Shawn Spencer (14 points, six assists) provide critical secondary scoring.

The game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference foes. They will meet again in Signal Peak on Jan. 31.

Wednesday’s contest will test Central Arizona’s ability to win on the road against a team with a proven home-court advantage. For Eastern Arizona, it represents an opportunity to build a winning streak and create separation in the conference standings.