Armadillos Open Playoffs With Dominant Win Over UIW Cardinals

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SAC small forward Caleb Richardson elevates for a dunk in the Armadillos’ playoff game against the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals March 20. The Armadillos took down the Cardinals 115-75 in the first round of the Texas Collegiate Athletic Conference playoffs at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. Photo by A. De Leon.

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 March 20.

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.

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Caleb Richardson battles for a shot against the Cardinals March 20 at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. Photo by A. De Leon.

“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.

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SAC guard Demetrice Mims drives a Cardinals’ defender March 20 at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. Photo by A. De Leon.

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.

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SAC point guard Christian Estebane drives for a layup March 20 at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. Photo by A. De Leon.

“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.

Read Next: Surging, Armadillos Run Over SPC Tigers on Path to Playoffs

Picture of A. De Leon

A. De Leon

Agustin De Leon is the photo editor for SAC Student News and an officer for the Society of Physics Students. An accomplished photojournalist, commercial photographer and lover of science, De Leon plans to transfer to UTSA in 2025 to complete a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Physics.
Picture of A. De Leon

A. De Leon

Agustin De Leon is the photo editor for SAC Student News and an officer for the Society of Physics Students. An accomplished photojournalist, commercial photographer and lover of science, De Leon plans to transfer to UTSA in 2025 to complete a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Physics.