The Armadillos bested the Northwest Vista College Wildcats 63-60 at Huisache Hall Wednesday.
The Armadillos bounced back after their loss to Palo Alto last week, improving to 3-1 for the season. They faced immense pressure against the Wildcats on the road as the NVC crowd cheered on their home team relentlessly. Despite the tension they faced, SAC brought home the win.
The Armadillos started the game with a strong lead of seven points, ending the first quarter at 17-10. SAC’s defense was dominant, forcing nine turnovers in the quarter.
By the end of the first half, the Armadillos held a 12-point lead at 34-22.
SAC Head Coach Abel Castillo said improved defense was a key to SAC’s victory.
“Our pressure was a lot better,” he said. “They were working together, and that was something that we really needed to work on.”
Guard Avah Castillo led SAC’s offense with 24 points. She connected on five 3-point shots.
Point Guard Angel Carrisalez added 12 points for SAC. She said better ball handling and committing fewer turnovers were key focal points after last week’s matchup with Palo Alto; SAC turned the ball over 22 times in the first half in that game.
“As a team … we’re almost there,” Carrisalez said. “But we need to play a little bit better together.”
Toward the end of the fourth quarter, the Wildcats closed the gap to within three points, but the Armadillos put the game away with a blocked three-point shot with a few seconds left on the clock.
“I’m looking forward to playing better as a team and getting another win,” SAC Point Guard Alexis Castillo said, looking forward to next week’s game.
The Armadillos will host the St. Philips Tigers at SAC’s Candler Physical Education Center Wednesday at 6 p.m.
