Arizona Western stunned in Region I Semifinal by College of Southern Nevada

The No. 1 seeded Matadors fell 88-87 to the Coyotes

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The postseason run for Arizona Western College Matadors men's basketball came to a heartbreaking end Thursday night after a last-second loss to the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes men's basketball in the Region I semifinals.

The Coyotes edged the Matadors 88-87 at “The House” on Arizona Western’s campus, delivering the decisive basket in the final seconds and ending the Matadors’ hopes of continuing their postseason run.

Arizona Western struck first in a tightly contested game that featured several lead changes. Sophomore guard Matt Anglo helped spark the Matadors early, knocking down a step-back jumper to give Arizona Western a 12-10 lead midway through the first half.

Southern Nevada answered quickly as Drake Watanabe converted a transition layup to keep the Coyotes within striking distance. The teams continued trading baskets, including a smooth spin-and-step-back jumper from Ivoryon Cuffee that kept the Coyotes within reach.

Later in the half, Marsai Mason showcased why he earned conference Player of the Year honors. The Arizona Western guard sliced through multiple defenders and finished with a finger roll at the rim, helping the Matadors stretch their lead to double digits before Southern Nevada trimmed the deficit to one heading into halftime.

The back-and-forth battle carried into the final minutes. With seconds remaining and Arizona Western trailing by one, Mason drove hard to the basket and converted a tough layup while drawing contact. He completed the three-point play at the line, giving the Matadors an 87-86 lead.

But the Coyotes had one final answer.

Maximus Romero drove toward the basket on the ensuing possession but missed the initial attempt. Patterson followed the play and grabbed the rebound, putting the ball back in to give Southern Nevada an 88-87 lead with just seconds left.

Arizona Western had one last opportunity after an inbound pass to Anglo, but his desperation heave at the buzzer fell short, sealing the Coyotes’ upset victory.

After the game, Arizona Western head coach Kyle Isaacs said the Matadors simply needed one final defensive stop.

“We just needed that one stop and the rebound,” Isaacs said. “Unfortunately we didn’t get that tough-guy move, and that’s why the score slipped.”

Despite the loss, Isaacs credited his team’s offensive effort late in the game, noting the Matadors were able to attack the basket and capitalize at the free-throw line.

“At the end of the stretch we were really attacking the cup and getting to the foul line, and we shot free throws really well tonight,” Isaacs said. “The problem was we let them score 60 percent from the field. It’s really hard to win in the playoffs when you do that.”

Isaacs also pointed to a stretch where Southern Nevada’s offense caught fire.

“I think they scored on nine straight possessions,” he said. “That makes it really hard to win. You’ve got to give them credit. They came on the road and were the hungrier dogs today.”

The loss was especially tough for a Matadors team that captured the conference regular-season title earlier this season and entered the playoffs with high expectations.

While disappointed with the result, Isaacs said he remains proud of the team’s overall effort throughout the year.

“It hurts now, but I’m super proud of what these guys did this season,” Isaacs said. “All these new guys came in with both feet in and tried to dominate the details. That one small play at the end can’t take away all the good things we did this year.”

Isaacs also thanked the Arizona Western fan base for its support throughout the season.

“The crowd was awesome,” he said. “I’m not only disappointed for the locker room, but for the fans who have been with us since November. We had a great college atmosphere here.”

With the loss, the Matadors’ season comes to a close, while Southern Nevada advances in the Region I tournament.