Preview: Cochise Apaches at Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters

THATCHER, Ariz. (Interstat) — A key Arizona Community College Athletic Conference men’s basketball rematch is set for Wednesday when the Cochise Apaches visit the Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters.

The game, scheduled for Feb. 4, 2026, at Eastern Arizona’s home court, features teams heading in opposite directions. The Gila Monsters (14-8 overall) enter with momentum, having won five of their last six games. The Apaches (9-8) look to snap a two-game skid and recapture the form that produced a three-game winning streak earlier in January.

Eastern Arizona will be fueled by revenge. In the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 17 in Douglas, Cochise secured an 83-71 victory. Apache guard Teron Murray was dominant in that contest, scoring 26 points in 36 minutes.

Murray remains the focal point for Cochise. The standout guard is averaging 20.1 points per game over his last seven outings, including a 32-point performance in a loss to Arizona Western on Jan. 31. His scoring prowess will be central to the Apaches’ chances.

The Gila Monsters counter with forward Ryan Hunt, who is coming off a historic performance. In a 97-76 road win over Central Arizona on Jan. 31, Hunt posted a monstrous 36-point, 21-rebound double-double. In the loss to Cochise last month, Hunt still managed 19 points and 14 rebounds. His interior presence will challenge the Apache defense.

Eastern Arizona has been strong at home this season, while Cochise has struggled recently on the road. The Gila Monsters’ balanced attack, which saw Ryder Bush and Brad Ballinger contribute significantly in their last win, will test a Cochise team that allowed 107 points in its previous outing.

Wednesday’s result will have implications for the conference standings as the season enters its final month. Following this game, Cochise will host Central Arizona on Feb. 7, while Eastern Arizona travels to face Southern Nevada on the same date. The teams will meet again in Douglas on Feb. 21 to complete the regular-season series.