Knights' 2nd Half Defense Catapults Them to 89-59 Win To Start PCAC Season

San Diego City used an 18-2 run early in the second half to turn a tight game into an 89-59 blowout win over Cuyamaca to start the PCAC season. It was the 20th consecutive victory over the Coyotes as the Knights improved to 10-3 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

A total of six Knights scored in double figures on Wednesday, including four starters. Jonathan Ogugua and Josh Williams each scored 15 points, while Makiah Morris added 13 points and nine rebounds. In his second start of the season, Noah Viera provided a season-high 10 points to go along with four rebounds.

Jackson Larsen led the bench effort with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Drew Cisse added 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, also off the bench. 

Cuyamaca (3-7, 0-1 PCAC), led by Ray King's 16 points, hung with the Knights for the entire first half and even held a 3-point lead near the end of the period, but the Knights flipped the switch in the second half, especially on the defensive end. Holding a 44-42 lead with 17:19 remaining, the Knights forced seven turnovers over the next eight minutes that helped them build a 62-44 advantage. Ogugua had three steals during that span that led to six fast-break points for him, including two dunks.

Cisse, who scored eight of his points in the second half, capped off that 18-2 run with a dunk of his own.

The Knights shot 61.8% in the second half and made 10-of-12 from the free throw line as their lead ballooned to 30 points. They ended up shooting 54.4% for the game, while holding Cuyamaca to 41.8%.

San Diego City won the rebound battle, 40-28, and dominated point in the paint, 56-24. City's defense also led to a 22-0 advantage on fast break points. 

The Knights will be home again on Friday as they take on Mesa at 5 p.m. in the final game of 2021.