Aztec Warriors Stay Unstoppable, Defeating Phoenix 98-89 to Claim 19-0 Record

The Pima Community College men’s basketball team continued its impressive season with a 98-89 victory over Phoenix College on Wednesday, maintaining an unbeaten record of 19-0 and a 7-0 mark in the ACCAC. Both teams showcased their shooting prowess by combining for 22 three-pointers during the contest held in Phoenix.

Early in the game, the score was tied at 2-2, but the No. 5-ranked Aztecs quickly took control. Sophomores Cohenj Gonzales and Max Majerle, both crucial players for Pima, propelled their team with key three-pointers that established their first double-digit leads midway through the first half.

After leading 28-21, freshman Mason Hunt injected energy into the game with three consecutive three-pointers, contributing to a 13-2 run that extended Pima’s lead to 41-23. However, Phoenix College responded with their own 9-0 run, highlighted by three back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap to single digits before halftime, where the score stood at 52-41 in favor of the Aztecs.

The second half commenced with Pima surging ahead with a 12-3 run, culminating in a basket from Majerle that pushed the lead to 64-44. While the Bears attempted to claw back with five three-pointers in quick succession, the Aztecs managed to maintain their distance on the scoreboard.

With 12:46 remaining, the Aztecs launched an 8-0 run, thanks to a mix of inside scoring and free throws, extending their lead to 82-64. Phoenix College’s momentum cooled, and despite scoring the final seven points of the game, they were unable to breach Pima’s double-digit lead until the final seconds.

Individually, Gonzales led the Aztecs with a stunning 24 points, converting 7 of 8 from the foul line. Majerle contributed 20 points, while Oldham added 19, with 13 coming in the second half. Hunt finished with 14 points, including four three-pointers in the first period. Notably, the 89 points scored by Phoenix College marked the second highest total allowed by Pima this season, as the Bears made 9 of their 12 three-pointers in the second half.

Pima’s performance at the free-throw line was exceptional, finishing 20 for 23. Looking ahead, the Aztecs will face Chandler-Gilbert Community College at their West Campus Aztec Gymnasium on Saturday, with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m.