City's Defense Pulls Out Win Over No. 9 Modesto

The Knights held Modesto scoreless in the final 2:20 and went on to win, 57-52, to snap a two-game losing streak. Logan Huston scored a game-high 18 points to go with five rebounds and three steals to help San Diego City improve to 8-4.

The No. 8 Knights entered Saturday's game, held at Fullerton College, having lost the previous two games to Moorpark and West L.A. It was the first time since November of 2019 that the Knights had dropped two straight, but they made sure not to extend that streak as they earned a hard-fought victory over No. 9 Modesto.

Huston scored 10 of his 18 points in the first half, including two 3-pointers to help give City a 29-28 lead at the break.

The Knights then opened the first five minutes of the second half with an 11-1 run to take their largest lead of the game at 40-29.

Modesto, however, chipped away at City's lead and eventually took 50-48 lead with 3:34 remaining. 

With Modesto up by a point, Kenny Gonzalez hit a jumper at the 2:03 mark to put the Knights ahead 53-52.

Gonzalez made two free throws a minute later and Huston converted 3-of-4 from the charity stripe in the final 45 seconds to give City a 5-point lead.

The Knights defense, as it has several times this season, stepped up in the clutch and did not allow Modesto to score in the final 2:20. Modesto missed its final five attempts and the Knights hung on for the win.

Gonzalez finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Marley Gonzalez scored a season-high 12 points to go with three rebounds. 

San Diego City is now finished with the non-conference opponents and will start the PCAC season on Wednesday at Grossmont at 7 p.m.

The Knights will play the conference home opener on Friday, Dec. 20 vs. Mesa at 5 p.m.