THATCHER, Ariz. – The Arizona Western Matadors Men's Basketball team (14-7, 7-4) lost their second consecutive game, losing 79-77 in overtime to Eastern Arizona (17-4, 10-0) on Saturday evening at Guitteau Gymnasium.

AJ Marmolejos scored 19 points and had seven rebounds to lead four Matadors in double-figures in the loss to the Gila Monsters.

The Matadors opened an eight-point lead in the first half, taking a 29-21 advantage with eight minutes left in the first half. After a small Eastern Arizona run, the Matadors built their largest lead of the game, taking a 41-29 lead before Eastern Arizona hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to pull the Gila Monsters within nine points.

After trailing most of the game, Eastern Arizona grabbed a 59-58 lead with 7:00 to play in the game and pushed the lead up to five points at 63-58. The Matadors trailed 67-61 but used an 8-0 run to take a 6t9-67 lead. The game went to overtime and both teams traded the lead but Eastern Arizona hit the go-ahead shot with less than a second left to seal with the win.

Edwin Suarez was the Matadors' second-leading scorer, scoring 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds while Jannoy Thomas had 16 points. Cam Atkinson was the fourth Matador in double-figures with 12 points.

The Matadors are back on the road on Tuesday, January 23, heading to Phoenix for an ACCAC matchup with South Mountain at 7:30 pm.