KNIGHTS WIN 7TH STRAIGHT SEASON OPENER, 101-83, OVER BARSTOW

The San Diego City College men's basketball team got a 15-point and 10-rebound effort from freshman Robby Robinson on Friday as he helped lead the Knights to a 101-83 season opening victory over Barstow. 

Sophomores Trevor Drake (15 points) and Joseph Riley (14 points) were big contributors off the bench as they combined for 29 points. Freshman Darian Norwood added 10 points in 12 minutes in a reserve role.

The Knights used an 18-3 surge early in the first half to build a 25-9 lead that they would never lose. Barstow cut City's lead down to 48-34 at halftime and got to within 13 early in the second half, but the Knights pulled away for good with a 15-3 run with 10:45 remaining to take a 75-50 lead, their largest of the game. 

City lost the rebound battle, 53-32, but the Knights made up for it by turning 31 Barstow turnovers into 36 points. The Knights took care of the ball and committed only seven turnovers, two coming in the second half. 

Another freshman starter, Josh Apkan, scored 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting and added three rebounds. 

The Knights have now won seven straight season openers. Their last loss came on November 7, 2011 at Saddleback College. 

City will play Citrus College in the championship game of the 13th annual Knights' Invitational on Saturday at 5 p.m. Citrus defeated Orange Coast College, 104-52, on Friday to get to the title game.

This will be the first time since 2011 that Citrus and the Knights meet in the championship game of the Knights' Invitational. Citrus won that title match in 2011, as well as the one in 2008.