Armadillos Prevail at Home Against St. Philip’s Despite Early Struggles

SAC Forward Luke Lopez defends in the post at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.
SAC Forward Luke Lopez defends in the post at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.

The Armadillos prevailed at home against the St. Philip’s College Tigers 82-76 Wednesday night, overcoming early foul trouble and a slow offensive start. 

SAC Center Markus Salinas won the opening tip-off, but the Tigers scored first with a long three from the wing.

SAC Guard Reggie Steadman drives past SPC defenders at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.
SAC Guard Reggie Steadman drives past SPC defenders at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.

The Armadillos’ often potent perimeter scoring was relatively ineffective at the start of the game as they struggled to find points early. 

“They always play us man-to-man, but today they played us in zone,” SAC head coach Jimmy Alcala said. 

SAC Guard Arian Elizondo plays defense at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.
SAC Guard Arian Elizondo plays defense at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.

In addition to early foul trouble, the Armadillos’ inconsistent scoring kept them down most of the game. Strong defense was SAC’s saving grace.

Strong defense from both teams in the first half led to a lot of points in transition. While the Armadillos struggled with turnovers, their defense kept the game close. 

SAC guard Demetrius Mims sprints past Tigers defenders at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.
SAC guard Demetrius Mims sprints past Tigers defenders at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.

The half concluded with SAC Guard Reggie Steadman hitting a last-second three to put the Armadillos up 40-35.

Steadman opened the second half by driving to the basket for a layup, but the Tigers battled back with consecutive scoring possessions, erasing the Armadillos’ lead and pulling ahead by 8.

SAC Center Markus Salinas defends a Tigers player at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.
SAC Center Markus Salinas defends a Tigers player at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Photo by A. De Leon.

SAC stayed aggressive on offense, drawing frequent fouls and shooting well from the stripe. 

With many SAC players in foul trouble, the Armadillos’ bench players showed up in critical moments.

SAC Guard Chris Regino hit a three from the wing to spark an offensive run as the Tigers struggled with turnovers. SAC Forward Kemoh Turay got a steal and a quick score to cut the Tigers’ lead. Another steal from Turay and a quick pass to Salinas for an easy score gave SAC the lead with just under seven minutes left.

SAC Guard Kamirin Williams prepares for a free throw at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Efficiency from the foul line was a key to SAC’s victory. Photo by A. De Leon.
SAC Guard Kamirin Williams prepares for a free throw at SAC's Candler Physical Education Center Oct. 23. Efficiency from the foul line was a key to SAC’s victory. Photo by A. De Leon.

The Armadillos closed the game with strong defense and good clock management, and a couple of clutch free throws from Salinas and Regino put the game out of reach.

The Armadillos are now 2-1 for the season and will look to improve to 3-1 against Trinity University at SAC’s Candler Physical Education Center next Wednesday at 8 p.m.

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