SAN MARCOS, Calif. (Interstat) — In a stunning upset that defied overwhelming odds, the Grossmont Griffins edged the Palomar Comets 81-79 in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball game Friday night.

The victory was a dramatic reversal from the teams’ meeting just four weeks prior, when Palomar routed Grossmont by 22 points. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Comets entered the contest with a 92.4% probability to win.

The game’s decisive moment came as the final second ticked off the clock. With the score tied at 79, Grossmont guard Lorenzo Martinez drove the lane and converted a layup at the buzzer to secure the road victory for the Griffins. The play capped a back-and-forth second half that saw Grossmont withstand a fierce Palomar rally.

Palomar, now 16-8, dominated the early stages, building a 10-point lead midway through the first half behind the play of Jaidyn Norman. But Grossmont, which improved to 8-14, closed the half on a 15-5 run to take a 42-35 lead into the break.

The Comets chipped away throughout the second half, finally drawing even at 79 on two Justin White free throws with 10 seconds remaining. That set the stage for Martinez’s game-winner on the ensuing possession.

Martinez led the Griffins with 20 points and seven assists, orchestrating the offense despite committing seven turnovers. Zeid Salem added 18 points, and Anthony Reavis contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. The Griffins won despite being out-assisted 9-5 and committing 17 turnovers.

Palomar was led by a standout performance from Norman, who finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. White added 14 points and eight rebounds, and Angel Ochoa had 14 points and eight rebounds.

Statistically, the game was a study in contrasting efficiencies. Grossmont scored its 81 points on 79 possessions for an offensive rating of 103.1, while Palomar managed 79 points on 80 possessions for a rating of 98.6. The Griffins were more accurate from the field, shooting 48% (30 of 62) compared to Palomar’s 42% (30 of 71). Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with Grossmont hitting 7 of 24 and Palomar making 8 of 33.

Grossmont’s ability to get to the free-throw line and convert proved critical. The Griffins made 14 of 18 attempts, while the Comets were 11 of 15.

The win marks a significant high point for Grossmont, which had lost seven of its last ten games entering Friday. Palomar, which had won five of its last six, sees its momentum halted ahead of a key matchup with MiraCosta on Wednesday.

Grossmont will host San Diego Mesa on Wednesday, while Palomar travels to face MiraCosta the same night.