Kinesiology freshman Khalil Howard of the Cowboys struggles with business sophomore Roland Mireles for possession of the ball in the second half of Wednesday’s game between Southwest Texas Junior College and SAC in Gym 1 of Candler. The Rangers maintained possession, but Cowboys won 99-97 in overtime. Photo by E. David Guel
Biology sophomore Rey Esquivel attempts a shot over liberal arts freshman Juan Hernandez in the second half of Wednesday’s game between Southwest Texas Junior College and San Antonio College in Gym 1 of Candler. The Cowboys defeated the Rangers 99-97 in overtime. Esquivel put up 36 points. Photo by E. David Guel
The Cowboys captured a road victory over this college’s Rangers Nov. 12 in Gym 1 of Candler.
By Jose Arredondo
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A basketball game between this college’s Rangers and Southwest Texas Junior College’S Cowboys ended with six lead changes, five ties, 67 rebounds and an overtime period Wednesday in Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center.
Sports medicine sophomore Cory Rogers led the Cowboys with 24 points and 7 rebounds.
“I was trying to make some plays when we needed it,” Rogers said. “I was fortunate to have my teammates give me good looks.” ?
Biology Sophomore Rey Esquivel led the Rangers with 36 points and 6 rebounds.
The Rangers out-rebounded the Cowboys, 52-43, but the Cowboys converted over half of their rebounds into points.
The Rangers committed 19 turnovers, and forced 19 Cowboys’ turnovers.
The Cowboys had their largest lead in the first half, Aat 42-30, but the Rangers were able to build an 8-0 run to end the half 44-40.
“In the first half we looked lost,” Rangers coach Louis Martinez said. “Our offense was out of sync in that first half.”
In the start of the second half the Rangers started firing with another 6-0 run and led 46-44. With two fouls and a 2-point play, the Cowboys went on a 6-0 run of their own to take the lead. The Rangers would not take the lead for the remainder of the half.
With one minute left in the game, Esquivel hit a 3-pointer to end the Rangers’ 11-2 run that tied the game 90-90.
The Rangers were given one last opportunity but failed to execute in an extra period that decided the game.
Rogers lifted the Cowboys lead to 99-94 with five seconds left in play. With a 3-point buzzer shot by Esquivel, the Rangers would still lose 99-97.
Although the Rangers suffered another loss in a close game, Martinez was optimistic about his team’s progress.
“Even though we made a ton of mistakes, we are still learning each game,” Martinez said.
“We are not going to dwell on this loss; we are going to move on and prepare for next week’s game.”
The Rangers seek to capture a third win in their 2-3 season as they host the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals 8 p.m. Nov. 19 in Gym 1 of Candler.
