Four players score in double figures but Aztecs men's basketball fall in overtime at Mesa CC
The Pima Community College men's basketball team (19-10, 13-8 in ACCAC) played a back and forth battle that had to be decided with an extra five minutes of play on Saturday.
The No. 20 Aztecs fell in overtime to Mesa Community College (17-11, 12-9) 94-93 as the Thunderbirds scored the game's final five points to seal it.
The Aztecs forced the overtime when sophomore Emilio Acedo (Salpointe Catholic HS) made a basket inside the paint after a couple of offensive rebounds kept their possession alive.
Pima trailed 79-72 after a Mesa three-pointer but fought back when Acedo hit a three-pointer of his own. Freshman Isaiah Murphy (Cienega HS) scored a couple possessions later and sophomore Deion James (Empire HS) converted on a three-point play to cut the deficit to 81-80.
The Aztecs took an early lead and were up by as much as nine points. They led 23-16 at one point but the Thunderbirds countered with a 12-2 run to take a 28-25 lead. Late in the half, Murphy hit a pair of free throws and Acedo helped the Aztecs reclaim the lead as they went into the locker room up 41-40.
James scored a game-high 27 points with 11 rebounds for his 17th double-double of the season. Acedo, Murphy and sophomore Zach Evans (Hamilton HS) all finished with 17 points.
The Aztecs close out the regular season on Tuesday against Arizona Western College at the West Campus. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
PCC 41 43 9 93
MCC 40 44 10 94