The Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes dropped their conference opener 83-78 to the Eastern Arizona College Gila Monsters Tuesday night.

Story by Joran Palacio

The Artichokes (2-4, 0-1) once again competed throughout the course of game, but just fell short once the game reached the second half.

The Gila Monsters (8-5, 1-0) came out of the gates playing well defensively and only allowed 14 points in the first quarter and led by 10.

However, the 'Chokes came back shooting in the second quarter and took the lead by one heading into the halftime break 36-35.

Eastern Arizona College was able to regain control in the second half and eventually went on to capture their eighth win of the season by five, 83-78.

Offensively, this was the best game for the Artichokes all season and were led by #14 Veronica Perez who put up 23 points and #4 Joyce Jordan who scored 20 points as well.

SCC returns to the court Wednesday Nov. 28 for a battle with (5-1, 1-0) Cochise College. That game will tip of at 5:30 p.m.