Deoin James scored 27 points Friday night as Pima College earned its biggest win in eight years, a 102-99 victory over host Phoenix College in the NJCAA Region I, Division II Championship game. The Aztecsβ first championship since 2009 has earned them a spot in the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament, which starts March 21 in Danville, Illinois.
James hit a pair of free throws to give the Aztecs a 100-96 lead with 9.8 sec onds left. The Bears responded with a 3-pointer, cutting Pimaβs lead to one. The Aztecsβ Emilio Acedo was fouled on their ensuing possession, and he hit both foul shots to ice the game.
James was named the gameβsmost valuable player. He registered his 19th double-double of the season and hit 11 of 12 free throws.
βEverything was on the line. This might have been one of the greatest things Iβve ever witnessed,β James said.
Pimaβs womens team will play in its regional championship game Saturday at Mesa College. The game tips at 7:30 p.m.
