AWC's Shocking Collapse: How a 10-Point Lead Vanished Against Mesa—You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - In a hard-fought matchup on Wednesday night, Arizona Western College (AWC) faced a disappointing defeat against Mesa Community College, falling 43–33. The Matadors started strong, taking a 16–6 lead in the first quarter and controlling the tempo early on their home court. However, the game took a turn in the second half as AWC’s offense struggled, scoring a mere 7 points after halftime.

Despite the offensive slump, AWC’s defense proved to be a silver lining, limiting Mesa to under 30% shooting throughout the game. However, the Matadors’ 22 turnovers significantly hampered their ability to maintain momentum and find a rhythm in the second half.

Leading the effort for the Matadors was Chen Pan, who contributed 11 points, 3 steals, and 2 assists while logging a significant 35 minutes on the court. Mable Doumbia also made her presence felt, securing 8 rebounds and scoring 6 points, while Kimora Jenkins added 6 rebounds off the bench. In terms of rebounding, AWC managed a slight edge, finishing with 36 rebounds compared to Mesa’s 32.

Unfortunately for the Matadors, their shooting woes were evident, as they converted only 2 of their 15 attempts from beyond the arc. The team managed a paltry 2 points in the fourth quarter, a stark contrast to their earlier energy and determination, as Mesa cranked up their defensive pressure.

With this loss, Arizona Western's record now stands at 3–6 for the season. While the team displayed moments of solid play, particularly in defense and rebounding, the challenge moving forward will be to build on these positives. As they prepare for upcoming conference play, the Matadors will need to find greater consistency, especially in closing out games. This defeat serves as a reminder of the fine margins in college basketball and the importance of maintaining focus and execution throughout the entire match.