The fourth-ranked San Diego City College men’s basketball team cut a 17-point deficit to 2 points in the final seconds of Saturday’s Sweet 16 game against MiraCosta, but the Knights ultimately fell short against the No. 21 seed, 68-64, in Harry West Gym.

The conference rival Spartans came into the game riding the momentum of having upset No. 5 Santiago Canyon a round earlier, even after dropping three games to the Knights in the regular season.

Those wins were part of a historic 17-game win streak for City (26-4), dating back to December 11, 2021. 

For the Spartans, the victory in front of 120 marks the first time MiraCosta has advanced to the State Championships since the format of the tournament was changed to remove the small school division. 

After a tight first half that ended with the Spartans ahead 21-19, MiraCosta broke away with a 13-3 run to start the second.

City struggled offensively, making only 25% of its shots. The Spartans took advantage and led comfortably by double figures throughout the second.

Much like in previous games between these two teams, City made a late run to cut the lead to two points. But with just minutes left, MiraCosta took care of the ball, and guard Patrick McLachlan made two free throws to secure MiraCosta’s win. 

Spartans guard Julian Williams scored a game-high 25 points making 8-of-12 from the field, 4-of-6 from the three-point line and 5-of-6 free throws.

As a team, City shot better in the second half (35.1%), but the Knights finished the game shooting 32.8%, their worst shooting night of the season. MiraCosta, by comparison, shot 57.9% in the second half.

Taleh Wade led the Knights in scoring, coming off the bench with 15 points. He made 5-of-10 3-pointers, including 4-of-8 in just 13 minutes of the game.

Drew Cisse recorded a double-double with 12 points and 14 rounds, his ninth of the season. Josh Williams added 11 points, three rebounds and five steals. Jonathan Ogugua and Makiah Morris each recorded 10 points each.