Smith has 21 points but Aztecs women's basketball falter in fourth quarter at Eastern Arizona

The Pima Community College women's basketball team (17-5, 11-4 in ACCAC) held a slight advantage for much of its game against Eastern Arizona College (13-10, 10-5) on Saturday but fell apart in the final quarter.

The No. 3 ranked Aztecs were outscored 31-19 in the final period and lost to the Gila Monsters 92-87 in Thatcher.

The Aztecs took a 28-21 lead after the first quarter and held a 44-37 lead at halftime. They also led 68-61 at the end of the third.

The Aztecs were out-rebounded 51-36 for the game and the Gila Monsters went 25 for 30 at the free throw line.

Sophomore Denesia Smith (Cienega HS) scored a team-high 21 points along with four rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Sydni Stallworth (Palo Verde HS) had 18 points, five rebounds and two assists while sophomore Bree Cates finished with 13 points. Sophomore Erin Peterson (Catalina Foothills HS) had 12 points and five rebounds.

Freshman Izzy Spruit (Mesquite HS) had 11 points and fellow freshman Christine Ortega (Flowing Wells HS) had five points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

The Aztecs were swept by the Gila Monsters for the regular season. Pima lost 88-86 in overtime last month at the West Campus.

The Aztecs will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they host South Mountain Community College at the West Campus. The game will start at 5:30 p.m.

The Pima Community College Pep Band will also play at the game.

PCC     28     16     24     19     87
EAC     21     16     24     31     92