(Scottsdale, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s basketball team (24-0, 12-0 in ACCAC) was back in action on Wednesday as it played at Scottsdale Community College (9-13, 6-6).
The No. 2 ranked Aztecs were in a battle in the first half but found a new gear in the second half to beat the Artichokes 95-71 for their 24th straight victory. The win also secured coach Brian Peabody’s 700th career coaching victory.
The Aztecs held on to a 39-37 lead at halftime and held a 47-44 advantage in the opening minutes of the second half. Pima went on a 12-2 run that was capped by sophomore Cohenj Gonzales’ (Mesquite HS) three-point play and fellow sophomore Kota Benson’s (Mesa HS) basket as the Aztecs went up 59-46 forcing Scottsdale to call timeout with 14:35 left.
Pima maintained their double digit lead. Up 70-57 with 9:24 left, the Aztecs used a 14-3 run in almost six minutes to help put the game out of reach. Freshman Isaac Johnson’s basket capped the run as Pima took an 84-60 lead. Freshman Brock Mendoza gave Pima their biggest lead of the game at 26 points near the end of the game at 95-69.
The Aztecs outscored the Artichokes 56-34 in the second half.
Gonzales finished with a team-high 19 points while Benson dropped 15 points to go with four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Sophomore Gabe Oldham was a force under the glass as he produced a double-double of 11 points and 15 rebounds to go with four assists and two blocks.
Freshman Mason Hunt (Bradshaw Mountain HS) was a contributor in the second half as he finished with 10 points.
Coach Peabody has head coaching stops at Green Fields Country Day (1990-1992), St. Gregory College Prep (The Gregory School) (1992-1993), Salpointe Catholic High School (1993-2003), Pima Community College (2003-2004) and Ironwood Ridge High School (2007-2013). He is currently in his 12th season (13th overall) with the Aztecs. His assistant coaches Mike Morgan and Matt Minder have coached with him for almost 35 years.
“I could not have done this without my assistants (Mike) Morgan and (Matt) Minder. They have been with me every step of the way,” Peabody said. “Right now, I’m thinking more about the 24 straight wins than the 700. I’m sure there will be a day that I reflect on those, but right now is not the time. We are already game planning for Phoenix College on Saturday.”
The Aztecs are back at the West Campus Aztec Gymnasium on Saturday against the Bears. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
PCC 39 56 95
SCC 37 34 71
Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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