Salsa Slam – Day 2 Recap

Sponsored by Santa Fe Housing Trust

Day 2 of the Albuquerque Salsa Slam saw Elevate Basketball Academy bounce back in a big way, picking up two hard-fought wins to advance to the quarterfinals of bracket play.

Game 1 – Pool Play vs. Hawkeyes NM

EBA opened the day with an early morning matchup at The Fieldhouse against the Hawkeyes NM. The team started slow, exchanging buckets in a back-and-forth first half. But as the game wore on, EBA settled in, found their rhythm, and gradually built a cushion in the second half to secure a 41-33 victory.

Jerome Martinez led all scorers with 10 points, while Cruz Berkshire added 9 and Buster Salazar chipped in 8, each turning in another well-rounded performance on both ends of the floor.

Game 2 – Bracket Play vs. Albuquerque Tigers

Later in the afternoon, EBA headed across town to Sandia Prep for the start of bracket play, squaring off against the Tigers from Albuquerque. Foul trouble was a major factor early, with Cruz Berkshire, Salo Bird, and Marcus Vigil each picking up three first-half personals. EBA trailed by five at the break.

Coming out of halftime, a key defensive adjustment helped EBA start the half on a 6-0 run to take their first lead of the game. The team extended their lead to seven before the Tigers responded with a run of their own, going up by five late in the second half. But EBA wasn’t done.

With under a minute to play, Marcus Vigil came up with a huge steal and finished through contact for an and-one that swung momentum back to Elevate. Moments later, Buster Salazar scored the go-ahead bucket on a putback. EBA finished the game on an 8-0 run to steal a thrilling 48-45 victory.

Cruz Berkshire led the way with 15 points. Jerome Martinez added 10, while Marcus Vigil and Buster Salazar each contributed 8 points in the comeback win. Bryce Roybal anchored the defense, shutting down the Tigers’ quick guard, Jeremiah, and holding him scoreless in the second half.

With the win, EBA advances to the second round tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM against Splash Boys 29, a talented squad out of Texas. Tip-off is at Duke City Sportsplex.

Momentum is building — and EBA’s just getting started.