Aztec Duo Shines with 43 Points in Victory Over Dallas College Eastfield at Fall Classic

The Pima Community College men’s basketball team kicked off the Aztec Fall Classic on Thursday, securing a decisive victory against Dallas College Eastfield. The Aztecs, currently ranked No. 8, dominated the game with a final score of 108-82.

Initially, the lead fluctuated within single digits during the first half. With the score at 35-31, sophomore Cohenj Gonzales (Mesquite HS) nailed a three-pointer, igniting a surge that extended the lead to 48-36 by halftime.

In the third quarter, Pima continued its momentum, scoring the first six points to stretch the lead to 54-36. However, Eastfield responded with an 11-0 run, narrowing the gap to 56-48. Yet, the Aztecs quickly regained control, responding with a 7-0 run of their own.

The largest lead came courtesy of sophomore Kota Benson (Mesa HS), who hit a three-pointer to push the score to 101-72 with just two minutes remaining. Overall, the Aztecs outscored the Harvester Bees 60-46 in the latter half of the game.

Max Majerle (Arcadia HS) led the Aztecs in scoring with 22 points, shooting 8 for 13 from the field, and contributed seven assists and two steals. Gonzales followed closely with 21 points, five assists, and four steals.

Other notable performances included Gabe Oldham, who scored 13 points and pulled down six rebounds. The bench contributed significantly, totaling 34 points, with freshman Mason Hunt (Bradshaw Mountain HS) leading that unit with 13 points.

Pima’s next challenge awaits on Friday, as they face Wenatchee Valley College during the second day of the Aztec Fall Classic, with tip-off scheduled for 4 p.m.