Douglas Dispatch

In what was being described as a final tune up before their home opener tomorrow night the Cochise College men’s and women’s basketball teams won impressively Saturday.

The Apache men, fresh off a 78-73 win over Odessa College on Friday, had no problem with New Mexico Military on Saturday in Tucson winning 121-99.

Cochise had beaten NMMI by just seven points in the opener two weeks ago. Jerry Duckworth nailed seven three-pointers enroute to a 22 point night which was matched by Demeco Blue as the Apaches jumped out to a 15-2 lead and never looked back.

Joe Bell Austin followed with 21 points, Ajak Magot had 12, Jordan Russell 11 and Tevin Caldwell had 10 to round out the six Apaches who scored in double figures.

On Friday against No. 23 ranked Odessa the Apaches led from start to finish taking a 42-34 lead at the break. Odessa cut the lead to two numerous times in the second half only to see Cochise hang on for the win.

Tim Jacobs led Cochise in scoring with 15 points. Russell followed with 12, Duckworth 10 and Andrew Hawkins contributed nine.

In women’s basketball play the Lady Apaches beat Tohono O’odham 107-63 Saturday n Thatcher improving to 3-0 on the season.

Tianna Brown and Yvonte Neal each scored 21 points to lead the Lady Apaches in scoring this game. Johnishia Welles finished with 20

On Friday the Lady Apaches edged eighth ranked New Mexico Junior College 65-64 also in Thatcher.

Welles finished with 15 points while Ashley Mitchell contributed 11.

Both the Cochise women and men have two home games this week facing Phoenix College on Thursday and Chandler-Gilbert on Saturday.

Tip-offs are at 5:30 for the women; 7:30 for the men.

There is no admission charge to the Douglas games.