Aztecs women's basketball struggle to contain 3-point shot in loss at Mesa

The Pima Community College women's basketball team (14-4, 8-2 in ACCAC) dropped its first game to an NJCAA Division II team on Wednesday in its loss to Mesa Community College (13-5, 8-2).

The No. 3 ranked Aztecs were outscored 24-12 in the third quarter and fell 78-64. The Thunderbirds went 9 for 17 shooting in the quarter and 4 for 6 from three-point range. Mesa finished 13 for 24 in three-pointers for the game while the Aztecs went 8 for 33.

After a first half that saw four ties and five lead changes, the Aztecs trailed 41-40 at the break. With the Aztecs down 48-44 in the third quarter, the Thunderbirds went on a 13-2 run to make it 61-46. The Aztecs were down 65-52 at the end of the quarter.

Down 73-55 with 5:15 left in the fourth, the Aztecs went on a 9-0 run to close the gap to single digits at 73-64. They were held scoreless for the final 2:54 of the game.

Freshman Jacqulynn Nakai (Coconino HS) finished the game with 13 points and seven rebounds while sophomore Aubre Fortner also scored in double figures with 12 points. Freshman Shauna Bribiescas (Dobson HS) had eight points and 10 rebounds while sophomore Katey Roquemore contributed with eight points off the bench.

The Aztecs return to the West Campus on Saturday when they host Arizona Western College at 2:00 p.m.

PCC     16     24     12     12     64
MCC    18     23     24     13     78