Westchester vs. Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The Salt Lake City Stars will look to continue their dominance over the struggling Westchester Knicks when the G League teams meet for the second consecutive night on Saturday at Bruin Arena.

The Stars (20-14) defeated the Knicks 79-68 on Friday. They enter the rematch having won three of their last five, including a 128-120 overtime victory over San Diego on Wednesday. Center Mohamed Bamba was instrumental in that win, posting 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. In his last two games, Bamba is averaging 20 points, 14.5 rebounds and five blocks, providing a formidable interior presence.

Westchester (7-24) seeks to snap a pattern of inconsistency after splitting a two-game set in Maine last weekend. The Knicks’ lone bright spot has been the recent play of guard Dink Pate. He is coming off a career-best performance, logging 26 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in a 117-110 win over the Celtics on Feb. 1. Over his last 10 games, Pate is averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

Salt Lake City’s defense, anchored by Bamba, will be tasked with containing Pate and Westchester’s backcourt. The Stars won the prior matchup by holding the Knicks to a season-low in points. Offensively, Salt Lake City will rely on the scoring balance shown against San Diego, where Matthew Cleveland (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Sean East (27 points, seven assists) complemented Bamba’s double-double.

The Knicks, who have lost 10 of their last 13, will need more secondary production behind Pate. Bryson Warren, who had 28 points and 11 assists in the win at Maine, is a key catalyst.

Saturday’s contest is the final meeting of the regular season between the teams. Following the game, Salt Lake City begins a three-day break before visiting Valley on Feb. 12. Westchester travels to face Valley on Feb. 10.