San Antonio College’s men’s basketball team advanced to the second round of the Texas Collegiate Athletic Conference playoffs, defeating the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals 115-75 at UIW’s Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center Wednesday.
After a slow start, the Armadillos took a 52-35 lead over UIW going into halftime.
The Cardinals slowed down the Armadillos’ offensive momentum in the third quarter, but the Armadillos continued their defensive strategy in the second half.
SAC Guard Jose Balbuena knocked down back-to-back 3-point shots and had 14 points in the second half. Balbuena, who spent much of the early season on the bench, worked to improve his game over spring break.
“I was at the gym putting in a lot of hours,” Balbuena told SAC Student News. “All my time practicing my shots paid off and allowed me to show up on the court.”
Balbuena electrified the crowd, and his teammates shouted “Jose is on fire!” and “MVP!” from the bench.
SAC guard Demetrice Mims led SAC with a team-high 22 points. Fifteen of Mims’ points came in the first half, and nine of his 22 points came from 3-point shots. He also made six free throws.
Guard Devon Gilmore added 20 points for SAC.
Center Markus Salinas was a defensive powerhouse for SAC, blocking four shots and forcing three turnovers. He finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.
Forward Caleb Richardson put up 19 points and 16 rebounds for SAC. The Armadillos fed off Richardson’s energy as he threw down several savage dunks in the second half.
“We had to beef up on our man-defense,” Richardson told SAC Student News. “We continue to make sure that opponents can’t pass us.”
With the playoff win, the Armadillos improved to 7-2 for the spring season.
SAC guard Arian Elizondo was suspended for the first round of the playoffs but will return Friday as the Armadillos seek to extend their playoff run against Trinity University on the road.
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