MEN'S BASKETBALL STORMS BACK FROM 16 DOWN TO EDGE CGCC, 62–60
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chandler-Gilbert Community College (10-9, 2-6) | 25 | 35 | 60 |
|
Mesa Community College (9-6, 3-4) | 24 | 38 | 62 |
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
| Game Statistics | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Mesa Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (22-48) | (22-49) |
| Field Goal % | 45.8% | 44.9% |
| Rebounds | 26 | 27 |
| Assists | 9 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 18 |
| Pts off Turnovers | 17 | 17 |
| 2nd Chance Pts | 8 | 9 |
| Pts in the Paint | 32 | 22 |
| Fastbreak Pts | 4 | 2 |
| Bench Pts | 0 | 40 |
Sunday January 18, 2026 - 1:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger
Mesa Community College Men's Basketball completed a dramatic comeback Saturday afternoon at Theo Heap Gym, erasing a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 62–60, for its second win over the Coyotes this season.
Mesa trailed 25–24 at halftime before CGCC seized control early in the second half, outscoring the Thunderbirds 15–5 over the opening five minutes. The Coyotes stretched the margin to 16 points with 14:17 remaining, putting Mesa in a deep hole.
The Thunderbirds responded with composure. Mesa went on a 12–4 run to cut the deficit to eight, then continued to chip away. Over a four-minute span, the T-Birds trimmed the lead to 53–48, swinging momentum back in their favor.
Mesa finally grabbed the lead at 58–57 with 4:21 left when Tyreek Dean scored on back-to-back possessions. The teams traded baskets down the stretch until Ezias Steffen knocked down two free throws to give Mesa a 60–58 edge with 2:21 remaining.
CGCC answered to tie the game at 60 with 1:32 left following a Mesa turnover. On the ensuing possession, Dean delivered again—pulling down an offensive rebound and finishing inside to put Mesa back on top 62–60. Dean scored six of Mesa's final eight points to close the comeback.
Chandler-Gilbert had one last chance to tie or win, but an inbounds pass from underneath its own basket sailed long, forcing a difficult shot that did not fall.
With the win, Mesa improves to 9–6 (3-4 ACCAC). The Thunderbirds are back on the road Wednesday at Scottsdale.
Phot Credit: Francisco Coronado