Sophomores Gonzalez, Huston Lead Knights in Home Opening Win
San Diego City (2-1) pulled away in the final eight minutes to secure an 80-75 home-opening victory over Ventura (4-3) for its second straight win. Sophomore Kenny Gonzalez led the way offensively with 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while fellow sophomore Logan Huston also scored 17 points to go with three assists and four steals.
San Diego City (2-1) pulled away in the final eight minutes to secure an 80-75 home-opening victory over Ventura (4-3) for its second straight win. Sophomore Kenny Gonzalez led the way offensively with 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while fellow sophomore Logan Huston also scored 17 points to go with three assists and four steals.
The Knights, currently ranked No. 8 in Southern California, couldn't have asked for a better start in their first game at Harry West Gym as they built a 17-4 lead less than five minutes in.
Ventura, however, clawed back into the game with a 30-11 run over the next 10 minutes to take a 34-28 lead, its largest of the game.
The Knights then hit back-to-back 3s by Brandon Bento-Jackson and Huston to tie it back up and eventually went into halftime holding a 40-39 lead.
Ventura's Jeremiah Wilson and Kam'Ron Cigar each scored 23 points and helped the Pirates take the lead for most of the first 10 minutes of the second half. Ventura was ahead, 61-60, after a pair of free throws by Cigar with 9:02 remaining, but City answered with a Bento-Jackson three-pointer to grab the lead for good.
With the Knights ahead by four, Micah Brickner hit a jumper, a free throw, and dunk to push their lead to 76-67 with 4:25 left to put the game away.
San Diego City's defense and bench made the difference. The Knights capitalized on Ventura's 20 turnovers, turning them into 30 points, and their bench outscored Ventura's 22-1.
Bento-Jackson hit three 3s on his way to 10 points with four assists and three rebounds.
Brickner provided nine points and three rebounds off the bench, while Cameron Marshall added eight points.
The Knights will travel to Allan Hancock College to play in their Home Motors Tournament starting next Friday at 7 p.m. vs. Barstow (0-3). They will play San Jose (4-1) on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. and will then match up against host Allan Hancock (2-2) at 1 p.m. on Nov. 24.
City will be back at Harry West Gym against SoCal No. 1 Fullerton (4-1) on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.