The Texas A&M University-San Antonio men’s basketball team beat San Antonio College 70-59 Wednesday, Nov. 7 at San Antonio College.
The first half began with a quick 8-0 run by the Jaguars. Forward Ruben Monzon controlled the offense early as he effortlessly scored his share of points in the paint including a one-handed jam off a steal at midcourt. The Rangers went 0-6 to start the half reaching double digits with six minutes left in the half. By then the Jaguars had put up 26 points with a commanding 16-point lead.
The Rangers would make adjustments and switch to a full court press defensively that mounted a comeback including back-to-back steals that led to easy transition points.
“Less dribbling, more passing,” said Anthony Childs, Jaguars men’s basketball coach. “The only way to beat the press is through the pass, simple.”
The big lead was cut to 9 by the end of the half with the Jaguars leading 33-24.
“We have to play less selfishly and talk more on defense,” said Monzon after the first half.
Monzon led all scorers with 11 at the half to go along with 5 rebounds. The Jaguars had hit nearly half of their three point attempts going 6 for 13 from beyond the arc.
The second half was a different story for both teams as they both turned up the heat on offense. The Rangers tied up the game with 13 minutes left in the final half after continuing to hound the Jaguars ball-handlers after inbounding, but Jaguars guard Roland “Bubba” Mireles caught fire knocking down back-to-back 3 point shots followed by two drives to the basket with the latter resulting in a foul and free throw shot.
Mireles attributed his offensive outburst in the second half to “energy from the team.” It provided a much-needed spark for the Jaguars.
Solid defense carried the Jaguars to a win over the Rangers 70-59.
The Jaguars take on the Victoria College Pirates, the 2018 Texas Collegiate Club Sports League men’s basketball champions, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Sports Center Building at Victoria College.
