Majerle Sinks Thrilling Game-Winner to Propel Aztecs Past Dawson CC at 14-0

The Pima Community College men’s basketball team continued its unbeaten streak, achieving a thrilling 95-92 victory over Dawson Community College in the Aztec Holiday Classic on Sunday. The Aztecs, now 14-0 and ranked No. 6, showcased their resilience in a game that saw 15 ties and 27 lead changes, with neither team ever pulling ahead by more than nine points.

With just 2:21 remaining, the Aztecs were down 91-88. A crucial play by sophomore Wes Ball, who scored following a feed from Gabe Oldham, narrowed the gap. The Pima defense stepped up moments later, forcing a turnover during an inbounds play.

Ball delivered again, scoring after grabbing two critical offensive rebounds, giving Pima a narrow 92-91 lead with only 12.5 seconds on the clock. Although Dawson managed to draw a foul, making their first free throw but missing the second, sophomore Max Majerle seized the opportunity. He swiftly brought the ball up court and launched a three-pointer that banked in, extending the lead just before Dawson called for a timeout with 0.7 seconds left.

As the game concluded, Dawson’s attempt to tie from half court was thwarted by Gonzales’ defensive play, sealing the victory for Pima. The Aztecs had their largest lead of 24-17 midway through the first half, while Dawson’s peak came at 55-47 early in the second half.

Ball excelled with a double-double, contributing 27 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 11 for 14 from the field and 5 for 7 from the free-throw line. Gonzales added 19 points and seven assists, shooting 7 for 14 overall and 4 for 8 from three-point range.

Off the bench, freshman Mason Hunt scored 15 points alongside four rebounds. Majerle and Kota Benson also played significant roles, with Majerle finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Benson chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The Aztecs will conclude their participation in the Aztec Holiday Classic on Monday, facing the No. 4 ranked Salt Lake Community College at 2 p.m.