Al Green Scores 26 Points in Home Win Over MiraCosta

The Knights got back on track with a 69-64 home win over MiraCosta on Friday night after suffering their first PCAC loss in nearly three years at Palomar on Wednesday. Al Green poured in a season-high 26 points to go with seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks to help the Knights improve to 16-4 overall and 7-1 in the conference.

It was the third straight game, and fifth time this season, that Green has scored at least 20 points. He currently leads the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game while shooting 56.8% from floor, 45.5% on 3s, and 78.4% from the free throw line.

Anjay Cortez added 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in City's eighth win in the last nine games.

Friday's game looked as though it would be one-sided when the Knights grabbed a 9-0 lead after the first 5:37 of action. City's lead grew to 23-9 with 9:50 left in the first half, but MiraCosta chipped away at it and got within seven at halftime.

The Spartans, led by Kobe Smith's 17 points, then started the second half with a 7-2 spurt to cut the Knight's lead down to 36-34. A few minutes later, the Knights put together an 11-2 run to extend their lead back to 11 with 10:54 left.

MiraCosta made one last push in the final minutes, getting to within 65-61 with 21 seconds remaining, but Green put the game away by converting all four of his free throws down the stretch.

Kailen Rains added seven points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Anthony Howell provided six points and seven rebounds. 

Last Wednesday's PCAC loss at Palomar was City's first since February 5, 2020, a streak of 27 games.  

The Knights are home again on Wednesday, January 25 against Grossmont (7-12, 2-6 PCAC) at 7 p.m.