Arizona Western Women’s Basketball lose heartbreaker in Region I Semifinals
Matadors come up just short against Southern Nevada despite 32 points from Rita Gomes
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The No. 11 ranked Arizona Western College Matadors saw their postseason run take a tough turn Saturday night, falling 76-75 to College of Southern Nevada in the Region I Semifinals at the House Gymnasium.
Rita Gomes delivered a dominant performance, leading all scorers with 32 points while hitting 10 three-pointers on 16 attempts. She was one of three Matadors in double figures, but the team couldn't hold onto a late lead as Southern Nevada secured the win.
The Matadors jumped out to a strong start with a 10-0 run in the first quarter, building a 17-7 lead. However, the Coyotes responded with six straight free throws to close the period. Arizona Western pushed its advantage back to 10 points in the second quarter before taking a 33-29 lead into halftime.
Southern Nevada cut the deficit to one early in the third, but the Matadors answered with a flurry of three-pointers, including one from Gomes, to go up 43-36.
The Coyotes made their move in the fourth quarter, taking their first lead since the opening minutes at 61-60. Arizona Western briefly regained control after another Gomes three put them ahead 74-71, but Southern Nevada capitalized at the free-throw line to complete the comeback.
Free throws proved to be a deciding factor, with Southern Nevada shooting 35 compared to Arizona Western's seven.
Naomy Zonzon-Huyghe added 17 points, while Dyvine Harris contributed 12 in the loss.
The Matadors will now await their national tournament fate, hoping to receive an at-large bid to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Women's Basketball Championship.
