Basketball Recap: Balboa Comes Up Short in High-Profile Match with IMG Academy

On Friday, Balboa faced IMG Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams. The Balboa Roughriders came up short against the IMG Academy Ascenders, falling 82-59.

Balboa's loss came despite strong showings from Vito Albanese and Apolo Caetano. Albanese posted 15 points, while Caetano went 6 of 13 en route to 15 points. Albanese is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played. BwaBwa Josue was another key player, going 5 for 11 on his way to 12 points and six boards.

Balboa has traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-20 record this season. As for IMG Academy, their victory was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 17-4.

Balboa wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, a 77-70 win against Jordan Christian Prep on the 4th. IMG Academy has also already played their next game, a 73-69 victory against Link Academy on the 3rd.