SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio College’s men’s basketball team improved to 2-1 with a dominant performance on the road Wednesday night, defeating the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals 87-71.
The Armadillos came into UIW looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the spring season Feb. 3 against the Our Lady of the Lake Saints.
Before tip-off on Wednesday, SAC small forward Caleb Richardson told SAC Student News that falling to the Saints on the road exposed the Armadillos’ defensive weaknesses, and the team definitely tightened up their game against UIW.
“A lot of our fouls come from players over-committing or under-committing,” Richardson said. “We should come out on top this game. We shouldn’t even expect this game to be close.”
The Cardinals kept the game close in the first half; the Armadillos led 39-35 at halftime.
SAC point guard Cris Estebane led the Armadillos offense with 20 points, and freshmen shooting guard Arian Elizondo added 14 points.
Sophomore small forward Daniel Rinza suffered a minor leg injury in the second half and was sidelined, but Rinza will be back in SAC’s lineup for their next game.
The Armadillos will get a chance to redeem themselves against the Our Lady of the Lake Saints Sunday at SAC’s Candler Gym.
After the game, Richardson said he was glad to see the Armadillos’ defense improve, but he believes Sunday’s game will be an even tighter matchup as the Armadillos look to slow down the Saints offense and redeem themselves at home.
“If we come out hot and stay ready in the second half, we should win,” Richardson told SAC Student News. “I have faith in my team and faith in my guys.”
