Arizona Western women’s basketball picks up first win in 2026

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western women's basketball returned to the court for its first game of the new year Saturday, hosting Central Arizona in an ACCAC matchup.

The Matadors were looking to open the 2026 portion of their schedule with a win, and a tight contest swung in their favor.

Arizona Western got on the board early as Mable Doumbia found Chen Pan with space beyond the arc just minutes into the game, and Pan made Central Arizona pay by knocking down the three.

The Vaqueras quickly responded on the other end, with Saniya Jones finishing a transition basket to keep the score close.

Pan continued to be a key offensive presence for the Matadors, finding her rhythm and sinking a deep two-point shot on the next Arizona Western possession.

The Vaqueras then pushed the tempo, and Jordis Reisner took the ball coast to coast, finishing at the rim to give Central Arizona a 20-16 lead.

The Matadors answered right back as freshman Kimora Jenkins scored on the following possession to cut the deficit back to two.

Jenkins stayed involved in the offense, helping initiate ball movement that eventually led to Queren Loubaki working the ball inside before it swung back out to Pan, who capped the sequence with another three-pointer.

Despite strong stretches from Central Arizona, the game remained close from start to finish. In the end, Arizona Western made the key plays down the stretch to secure the win.

The Matadors improve to 9-7 overall on the season and move to 2-0 in conference play with the victory.