Aztec Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Phoenix in Thrilling ACCAC Conference Debut

Pima Community College’s women’s basketball team kicked off their ACCAC conference season with a strong home victory on Wednesday, improving their overall record to 4-1 and conference record to 1-0. The No. 10-ranked Aztecs triumphed over the Bears, finishing with a score of 74-65 despite a late-game challenge from the Bears, who now sit at 4-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

The Aztecs dominated the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix College 26-13, which enabled them to establish a 62-46 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Kiley Sours-Miller, a freshman standout, extended the Aztecs’ lead to 21 points with a basket that made it 69-48 just three minutes into the final period. However, the Bears rallied, finishing strong by outscoring Pima 17-5 and limiting them to just 12 points in the last quarter.

A fast start saw the Aztecs establish a 10-0 lead early, but the Bears fought back, keeping the game tightly contested. Pima led by a narrow 19-18 as they moved into the second quarter, and the first half featured nine lead changes. At halftime, the Aztecs clung to a slight 36-33 lead.

Sours-Miller was the star of the game, leading the team with 22 points on an impressive 11-of-16 shooting performance, alongside seven rebounds. Sophomore Rori Hoffmeyer contributed significantly, scoring 13 of her 17 points in the second half and adding eight rebounds.

Other notable performances included Melicia Nelson, who recorded six points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Additionally, Mattanaya Vital, Kennedi Niemann, and Lucy Land each chipped in with six points. Annalise Holthaus rounded out the contributions with five points and six rebounds.

The Aztecs are set to take their talents on the road for the first time in conference play this Saturday, facing off against Chandler-Gilbert Community College at 2 p.m.