DOUGLAS, Ariz. (Interstat) — A tight Arizona Community College Athletic Conference rematch is set for Saturday when the Cochise Apaches host the Central Arizona Vaqueros in men’s junior college basketball.

The Apaches (9-9) edged the Vaqueros (7-13) 95-92 in their first meeting on Jan. 21 in Coolidge. That game figures to be front of mind for both teams as they meet again at Cochise’s home court.

Central Arizona arrives looking to snap a three-game skid, including a 64-69 loss at Yavapai on Wednesday. The Vaqueros will lean on guard Brayden Gant, who has been a consistent offensive force. In the last meeting with Cochise, Gant scored 20 points with six rebounds and three assists. He is coming off an 18-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance against Yavapai and has averaged 19.1 points over his last seven games.

Cochise also seeks to rebound after a rough 55-81 road loss at Eastern Arizona on Wednesday. The Apaches will counter with forward Naeem Colston, who was pivotal in the first win over Central Arizona, posting nine points and nine rebounds. Colston is coming off a 10-point, five-rebound outing and provides a steady interior presence, having grabbed 15 rebounds in a game earlier this month.

Both teams have struggled for consistency in conference play. Central Arizona’s defense, which has allowed an average of 92.4 points over its last five games, will be tested by a Cochise squad that scored 95 in the previous matchup. The Apaches must improve their recent offensive output after being held to 55 points in their last outing.

The game is a crucial part of the closing stretch for both teams as they jockey for position in the conference standings. They will meet for a third time on Feb. 25 in Coolidge.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Douglas.