Southern Nevada Coyotes Look to Upset Arizona Western Matadors in Region 1 Semifinal

YUMA, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Southern Nevada Coyotes face a formidable challenge when they visit the Arizona Western Matadors in a men’s junior college basketball Region 1 semifinal on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The 19-8 Matadors, who finished the regular season strongly, are heavy favorites on their home court. They swept the season series from the Coyotes, winning by an average of 17 points, including a 93-81 victory on Feb. 21.

Arizona Western is led by forward Illiam Fevry, who torched Southern Nevada for 29 points in the last meeting. Fevry averages a near double-double and is a consistent scoring and rebounding threat.

The 9-13 Coyotes, however, enter the postseason with momentum from an 86-67 win over Central Arizona on Feb. 28. In that game, guard Ryan Raad posted 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Raad has been Southern Nevada’s most reliable performer, scoring in double figures in three of his last four contests.

Southern Nevada will need similar production from Raad and supporting players like Maximus Romero and Gerald Patterson, who combined for 36 points in the recent win, to counter Arizona Western’s balanced attack.

The Matadors aim to bounce back from a narrow 84-83 home loss to Eastern Arizona in their regular-season finale. Mario Brunetto scored 20 points in that defeat.

History heavily favors the home team, but the single-elimination playoff format provides the underdog Coyotes a chance to reset. The winner advances to the Region 1 championship game.