Preview: Saddleback Bobcats vs. San Diego City Knights

FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — Two of California’s top junior college men’s basketball teams, sporting identical winning records, will clash Saturday when the Saddleback Bobcats face the San Diego City Knights in a neutral-site tournament game at Fullerton College.

The Bobcats (7-4) enter after a hard-fought 85-83 overtime road victory at West Los Angeles on Friday. They will face a Knights squad (7-2) that has been idle since a 75-68 home win over Palomar on Dec. 7.

San Diego City has won five consecutive games, last losing on Nov. 7. Saddleback has shown resilience, winning three of its last four, including the overtime thriller Friday.

A key matchup will feature two of the region’s most consistent forwards. Saddleback’s Charlie Stallings is averaging a double-double over his last six games, including a 24-point, 9-rebound performance in a win at De Anza on Dec. 7 and a 21-point, 13-rebound effort in an overtime loss to Los Angeles Trade-Tech.

San Diego City counters with Dylan Griffin, who has been a model of efficiency. Griffin has scored in double figures in five straight contests, averaging 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds over that stretch while shooting 54% from the field. He posted 16 points and seven rebounds in the win over Palomar.

The Knights’ recent success has been bolstered by balanced contributions. In their last outing, Junior Camacho added 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Santana Huff chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.

Saddleback’s path includes navigating a quick turnaround from Friday’s overtime game. The Bobcats will look to Stallings to control the paint and generate second-chance opportunities against a Knights team that has defended well during its win streak.

This tournament matchup serves as a potential postseason primer for both programs. Following this game, Saddleback will travel to face Los Angeles Trade-Tech on Monday, while San Diego City hosts Grossmont next Wednesday.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Fullerton College.