SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — In a high-octane G League shootout defined by a dominant second-quarter surge, the Salt Lake City Stars outlasted the Westchester Knicks 132-124 on Saturday night at Bruin Arena.

The game turned decisively in the second period. After trailing by seven points following a 31-point first quarter by Westchester, the Stars erupted for 40 points in the second quarter to seize control. That outburst, which gave Salt Lake City a 64-62 halftime lead, proved to be the foundation of the victory. The Stars never relinquished the lead after halftime, consistently answering Westchester runs with timely scoring.

Salt Lake City’s efficiency was the story. Despite taking two fewer shots from the field than the Knicks, the Stars were markedly more effective from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. They connected on 17 of 31 three-point attempts, a 54.8% clip, and made 19 of 22 free throws. Westchester, by contrast, shot 21 of 52 from three-point range and struggled at the line, making only 7 of 13 free throws.

The Stars also won the possession battle, committing only nine turnovers while forcing 12 and securing 13 offensive rebounds. This led to a significant advantage in offensive rating, with Salt Lake City scoring 139.8 points per 100 possessions compared to Westchester’s 126.3.

Salt Lake City forward Matthew Cleveland, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, delivered a monumental performance to lead all players. The 6-foot-7 power forward posted 39 points and 19 rebounds in 39 minutes, adding three assists. His activity on the glass, which included six offensive rebounds, was pivotal. Cleveland’s effort continued a string of strong performances, including a 22-point, 11-rebound game in a win over Westchester just one night earlier.

The Stars received a well-rounded supporting effort. Guard Dereon Seabron filled the stat sheet with 19 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Center Mohamed Bamba added 19 points off the bench, and guard Sean East contributed 18 points and five rebounds.

Westchester, which fell to 7-26 with the loss, was led by a trio of high-scoring guards. Dink Pate scored 29 points and dished out eight assists. Bryson Warren finished with 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Dillon Jones added 21 points and seven assists. Center Ibrahima Diallo anchored the defense with five blocks and 10 rebounds.

The Knicks, who have lost eight of their last nine games, shot 46 of 90 from the field but could not overcome Salt Lake City’s superior three-point shooting and trips to the foul line. The Stars improved to 22-14 with the victory.

The most critical phase of the game was Salt Lake City’s second-quarter response. After Westchester built its early lead with hot shooting, the Stars tightened defensively and unleashed an efficient offensive barrage. A key sequence saw the Stars force three Westchester turnovers in a short span, converting them into easy transition opportunities during a 15-2 run that flipped the game’s momentum entirely. This stretch established a tempo and a lead that Westchester spent the rest of the night chasing but never overcame.

Salt Lake City next plays at Valley on Thursday. Westchester travels to face Valley on Tuesday.