The Armadillos pulled out a much-needed win Wednesday, beating the Northwest Vista College Wildcats 78-75 and earning their first victory of the season at NVC’s Huisache Hall. The Armadillos are now 1-3 for the season.
The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to make the opening basket. Turnovers and missed rebounds held back the Armadillos in the first quarter. SAC closed the first half with a 10-point lead at 41-31.
The Armadillos kept up the defensive pressure in the second half. With SAC leading 59-53, the Armadillos took control behind strong efforts from Point Guard Aiden Planas and Forward Cole Vaughn, who helped extend the lead with key 3-pointers and fast-break plays. The Wildcats continued to fight for turnovers, but SAC maintained its momentum.
A strong full-court press and improved ball movement kept the Armadillos ahead, though the Wildcats closed the gap late in the game by getting to the free-throw line. SAC held on through a timeout to secure the 78-75 victory.
Vaughn said the team’s performance showed growth from earlier games.
“I knew I was doing well, having played over half the game,” he said. “We did well overall with free throws.”
Planas said he was proud of the team’s composure down the stretch.
“I think our free throws still need work, but we made a lot more of them this game,” he said.
The Armadillos missed 22 of 58 free throws in a 21-point loss to Palo Alto College last week.
“First win of the season — great feeling,” Planas said. “Many more to come.”
Head coach Jimmy Alcala said he was pleased with how the team finished.
“We hit our free throws when we needed to,” Alcala said. “Everybody contributed, even off the bench, which was so exciting. We improved.”
The Armadillos jump back into action Wednesday at 8 p.m., facing off against the St. Philips College Tigers at SAC’s Candler Physical Education Center.
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