KNIGHTS USE 2ND HALF RALLY TO DEFEAT MIRA COSTA, 56-51

Shamonique Malone-Boyd was a spark off the bench for the Knights as she put in a game-high 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Knights to a 56-51 home victory over Mira Costa in the opening game of PCAC play.

The Knights shot a miserable 15.6 percent from the floor in the first half and had 10 turnovers, but only trailed 29-26 at the half. The Knights rallied in the second half by starting with an 8-0 run to give them a 33-31 lead. A bucket by Angelina Hix, who had 11 points for Mira Costa, tied the game, but the Knights would take the lead for good after a jumper on the other end by Malone-Boyd.

The Knights built their lead up to 10 points with 5:33 remaining, but the Mira Costa Spartans didn't go away yet as they cut the lead to five points after a layup by Savannah Summers with 2:10 remaining, but that ended up being final bucket of the game. The Knights controlled the clock and forced a turnover and two missed jumpers the rest of the way and hung on for the win.

Shawntay Walker also had a strong game off the bench with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

The Knights improved to 6-10 overall and 1-0 in the PCAC. It is the first time since 2007-08 that the Knights have won the first conference game of the season.