YUMA, Ariz. – The Arizona Western Matadors Men's Basketball team (19-8, 12-5) got a layup from AJ Marmolejos with 1.8 seconds remaining to beat Eastern Arizona (21-6, 14-2) 71-69 on Friday night at the House Gymnasium.

Marmolejos scored 32 points on 12-for-15 shooting and 6-of-7 from the three-point line to help the Matadors secure the win.

After falling behind early, the Matadors used a 6-0 run to grab a 13-9 lead, building that advantage up to 22-13. The Matadors shot 64.5 percent from the field in the first half and took their largest lead of the game at 46-20 late in the first on back-to-back threes from Marmolejos. Eastern closed the half on a 5-0 run, cutting the Matadors' lead to 46-25 at the break.

Eastern Arizona's run continued early in the second half, stretching the run out to 21-7, cutting the Matadors' lead down to 53-46. Arizona Western was able to push the lead back to double-digits at 12 points at 63-51 but Eastern Arizona outscored the Matadors 18-6 to tie the game 69-69 with less than 30 seconds to play. Marmolejos drove to the basket and scored with 1.8 seconds remaining to give the Matadors the win.

Jannoy Thomas scored 10 points in 40 minutes while Edwin Suarez scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.

The Matadors are back in action on Saturday, February 24, hosting Eastern Arizona in an ACCAC matchup at 4:00 pm at the House Gymnasium.