YUMA, Ariz. – The Arizona Western Matadors Men's Basketball team (9-2, 2-1) used a late first-half run to pull away from Scottsdale (6-2, 1-2), beating the Fighting Artichokes 87-77 on Saturday afternoon in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Yaxel Lendeborg led the Matadors by scoring a season-high 25 points, scoring 14 of his 27 points in the first 20 minutes, fueling a late first-half run.

The Matadors and Fighting Artichokes traded leads early in the first half before Arizona Western opened the game up late in the first half, building a 47-29 lead at the break.

AJ Marmolejos finished as the Matadors' second-leading scorer, scoring 16 points, his third-highest point total of the season.

Arizona Western held off a late Scottsdale run, outscoring the Fighting Artichokes 48-40 in the final 20 minutes to snap a two-game losing skid.

Marquis Hargrove ended the day as the Matadors' third-leading scorer by scoring 12 points, his ninth consecutive game scoring in double-figures.

The Matadors return home on Wednesday, December 7, when they host Mesa at 5:30 pm at the House Gymnasium. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors (Over 65) and military while Arizona Western College students and employees get in free with their AWC ID.