Mesa Community College used a dominant middle half to pull away from Chandler-Gilbert Community College, winning 66–54 on Saturday afternoon at Theo Heap Gym in Mesa.
Chandler-Gilbert came out sharp and controlled the opening quarter, jumping in front 18–8 behind early shot-making and pressure. But Mesa flipped the game in the second period, holding the Coyotes to just four points while pouring in 20 of its own to take a 28–22 lead at halftime. The Thunderbirds kept their foot on the gas after the break, winning the third quarter 22–14 to stretch the margin to 50–36, and they managed the fourth quarter to close out the 12-point victory.
The difference was Mesa's balance and efficiency during its surge. Mesa shot 47.3% from the field (26-for-55) and won the rebounding battle 38–32, including 13 offensive boards that helped generate extra possessions. Chandler-Gilbert struggled to score consistently outside of one standout performance, finishing at 36.2% shooting (21-for-58) and just 7-for-18 at the free-throw line.
Chandler-Gilbert guard Addyson Horsley carried the offense with 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, hitting 3-of-5 from three and adding five rebounds, two steals, and a block. Melanie Ortiz added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Makailyn Horsley scored five and grabbed five boards. As a team, Chandler-Gilbert committed 20 turnovers, which limited its ability to fully capitalize on a strong first quarter and a competitive finish.
Mesa was led by a deep rotation that produced scoring from multiple spots. Lakeisha Robinson sparked the Thunderbirds off the bench with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Amya Bekele added 11 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Carmella Gallardo scored nine points with three assists, and Sydnee Patterson posted nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Mesa also finished with 14 assists, reflecting the ball movement that fueled its second- and third-quarter runs.
The game included one technical foul on each side (Melanie Ortiz for Chandler-Gilbert and Lakeisha Robinson for Mesa), but Mesa's decisive 42–18 advantage across the second and third quarters ultimately defined the outcome.
