As the San Diego City College men’s basketball team counted down to the first of two games to determine the regular season conference title, Head Coach Mitch Charlens knew all systems were go.
“The guys are excited,” Charlens said. “We have our destiny in our hands.”
The Knights (23-4, 14-1) played like they were from another planet Wednesday, defeating the Palomar College Comets 125-95 in their final road game of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference season. The total points scored by City was their highest of the season.
As the team celebrated the win in the visitor’s locker room at Palomar, word came in that their PCAC co-leader Miracosta College had been defeated at San Diego Miramar 74-73, giving the Knights sole possession of first place in the PCAC and at least a share of the conference title.
The Knights can claim sole possession of the title with a win in the regular season finale against Miracosta on Friday night 5 p.m. back home at Harry West Gym. The evening will feature a double-header with the women’s basketball team taking the floor at 7 p.m.
Friday’s Sophomore Night recognition for both men’s and women’s teams kick off at 4:30 p.m. with Black History Month festivities including food, dignitaries and campus group tables.
At Palomar, the Knights rocketed to a 13-2 lead over the Comets, turning steals by KJay Bradley, Alex Crawford and Al Green into seven points in less than a minute. City snatched 12 steals over the game, converting 15 Palomar turnovers into 32 points.
Sophomore guard KJay Bradley roared back to form with a career-high 41 points, adding 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals. Bradley had scored season lows of 8, 10 and 11 points in the previous three games after missing several practices due to the recent loss of two uncles.
City’s elite offensive efficiency was on full display Wednesday, shooting 65% on 46-70 from the field, 12-20 (60%) from behind the arc and 21-27 (77%) from the free-throw line. Six Knights scored in double figures.
Forward Dexter Stratton led the Knights on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds with three other teammates adding five or more.
After Friday’s season finale, the Knights will be watching Sunday as the seedings for post-season play will be announced. The Knights are hoping for a high-seed to ensure that they play their post-season games at home.
