Preview of Top-10 California JUCO Clash Set for Fullerton Classic

FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A marquee early-season men’s junior college basketball matchup is on tap Friday when the No. 8-ranked San Diego City Knights visit the Fullerton Hornets in the 39th Fullerton College Classic.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Hornets Nest.

Both teams enter with impressive resumes and momentum. San Diego City (7-2) has won five straight games, including a 75-68 victory over Palomar last Sunday. Fullerton (8-1), whose only loss came on the road to West Los Angeles on Nov. 19, is riding a four-game winning streak after a 59-54 win at San Diego Miramar on Dec. 3.

The contest features a compelling individual matchup in the frontcourt. San Diego City’s Dylan Griffin has been a model of consistency, scoring in double figures in six consecutive games. Over his last five outings, the forward is averaging 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while playing efficient minutes.

He will be matched against Fullerton’s Brayden Smith, a versatile forward coming off a 20-point, 9-rebound performance in a rout of Palomar on Nov. 29. Smith has been a force on the glass, pulling down 11 rebounds in a tight win over San Bernardino Valley and averaging 8.3 rebounds over his last four contests.

The Knights’ recent success has been built on defense, holding opponents to 62.2 points per game during their five-game streak. Their last three wins have been by margins of 10, 1, and 7 points, showcasing an ability to win close games.

The Hornets have shown similar grit, with three of their last four wins decided by five points or fewer, including a double-overtime thriller against Citrus. Their defense has also been stout, allowing just 56.8 points per game over their current win streak.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They are slated for a rematch at San Diego City on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The winner will gain significant momentum heading into the heart of the Classic and the California community college season.