Staff Reports
THATCHER – The Eastern Arizona College (EAC) men’s basketball team broke its recent three-game slide with a thunderous statement at the Eastern Arizona Men’s Classic, dismantling two out-of-state foes over a dominant two-day stretch at Guitteau Gymnasium. The Gila Monsters, riding a wave of early-season momentum, outscored their opponents by a combined 50 points to go 2-0 in the tournament and improve their overall mark to 3-3.
The festivities got underway on Friday, Nov. 14, when EAC welcomed the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars. What started as a competitive affair quickly turned into a rout, as the Gila Monsters unleashed a high-octane offense that left the visitors scrambling. Western Nebraska couldn’t keep pace with EAC’s relentless pressure and sharpshooting.
By the final buzzer, EAC had carved out a decisive 111-73 victory. The 38-point margin highlighted the Gila Monsters’ superior athleticism and ball movement, turning what could have been a gritty conference-style battle into a clinic on fast-break efficiency.
The momentum carried over seamlessly into Saturday’s finale against the Laramie County Community College Golden Eagles. EAC again asserted control early, building a comfortable lead that allowed them to experiment with lineups in the second half. Laramie County, no strangers to tough road tests, fought valiantly but found themselves outgunned by EAC’s perimeter game and interior presence.
The Gila Monsters sealed the deal with an 81-69 triumph, extending their tournament dominance and boosting their record to 3-3 overall (still 0-0 in region action). The 12-point edge was EAC’s closest of the weekend, but it belied their command of the glass and transition opportunities, where they turned turnovers into easy buckets.
EAC will next host its EA Men’s Gila Monster Shootout at Guitteau Gymnasium and will take on Casper College on Thursday, Nov. 20, starting at 7:30 p.m.; North Idaho College on Friday, Nov. 21, starting at 7:30 p.m., and Hagerstown Community College on Saturday, Nov. 22, starting at 2:30 p.m.
Other games during the shootout include Central College versus North Idaho College at 3:30 p.m. and Cochise College versus Hagerstown Community College at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20. While Central College faces Hagerstown Community College at 3:30 p.m. and Cochise Community College faces Casper College at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. The finale on Sunday, Nov. 22, will also see Central versus Casper at 12:30 p.m. and Cochise versus North Idaho College at 4:30 p.m.
