SAN DIEGO CITY KNIGHTS TOP PALOMAR COMETS IN HIGH-SCORING AFFAIR

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (Interstat) — The San Diego City Knights used a dominant first-half offensive display to build a substantial lead and held off a persistent Palomar Comets squad for a 96-83 victory in a men’s junior college basketball game Friday night.

The Knights, who entered as favorites, improved to 21-5 overall. The Comets fell to 17-9.

The most critical phase of the game was its opening quarter, where San Diego City established a commanding advantage that Palomar spent the rest of the contest trying to overcome. The Knights raced out to a 42-29 lead after the first period, shooting with remarkable efficiency to create a 13-point cushion they would never relinquish.

San Diego City’s offensive execution in that opening frame set the tone. Dylan Griffin, the Knights’ top star, hit an early 3-pointer, and Matin Madadkar connected from deep just 78 seconds into the game, signaling a potent offensive night. Despite Palomar’s Isaiah Pomare keeping his team within striking distance with 11 first-quarter points, the Knights’ barrage was relentless. They shot 58% from the field in the first half and finished the game with an offensive rating of 127.1 points per 100 possessions, a mark of elite efficiency.

Griffin led all scorers with 27 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 33 minutes. Junior Camacho posted a double-double for the Knights with 21 points and 10 rebounds, along with six assists.

Palomar, which scored 54 points in the second quarter to match San Diego City’s output in the period, was led by Isaiah Pomare’s 25 points and eight rebounds. Angel Ochoa added 19 points and seven assists, while Jaidyn Norman contributed 18 points, including five 3-pointers.

The Comets trimmed the deficit to single digits several times in the second half, but could not string together enough stops to complete the comeback. A key sequence came with just over seven minutes left in the game when Norman hit a 3-pointer to pull Palomar within five at 72-67, prompting a San Diego City timeout. Out of the break, the Knights steadied themselves and quickly pushed the lead back to double figures.

San Diego City’s ability to capitalize on Palomar mistakes proved pivotal. The Knights committed only six turnovers, while forcing 11 from the Comets, leading to a 19-9 advantage in points off turnovers.

Both teams shot well from the free-throw line, with Palomar making 20 of 23 and San Diego City converting 15 of 18. From beyond the arc, the Knights were more selective and accurate, hitting 11 of 23 attempts (47.8%), while the Comets launched 36 threes, making 13 (36.1%).

The Knights also won the battle in the paint, outscoring Palomar 44-28 inside, a testament to Griffin’s and Camacho’s driving ability and the team’s effective ball movement.

With the win, San Diego City swept the regular-season series against its conference rival, having also won 94-86 on Jan. 23. The Knights have now won six consecutive games.