The Armadillos overpowered the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals Wednesday night at home 106-60, using their signature, fast-paced offense and suppressive defense.
The Cardinals won the opening tip-off, but a swarming Armadillo defense prevented them from scoring on their opening possessions.
The Armadillos opened the game with a 24-11 run, which included a full-court heave from SAC Guard Arian Elizondo to SAC Center Markis Salinas for an easy lay-in inside. Strong offensive rebounding led to a lot of second-chance points for SAC, and great inbound plays set players up for easy scoring opportunities.
With less than a minute left in the half, the Armadillos applied a full-court press, forcing a steal by Elizondo, who was fouled and sent to the line. Elizondo closed out the half with a last-second three, putting the Armadillos up 53-32.
Transition points were a large part of the Armadillos scoring in the second half. Their big men pulled down defensive boards and sent quick outlet passes up-court for easy-look baskets.
“That’s a part of our game; we’ve got to get the ball and go,” head coach Jimmy Alcala said.
The Armadillos opened the second half with an 18-8 run that was capped off with consecutive scoring possessions by Jovan Jimenez, who hit two tough three-pointers and caught an alley-oop lay-in.
The game concluded with another long scoring run by the Armadillos, who converted turnovers and second-chance points, finishing with another dominant win and improving to 5-1 in their last game of conference play this semester.
The Armadillos’ next conference game will be an away game against Northeast Lakeview College on Feb. 5, 2025 at 8 p.m.
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