Editor’s note: City Times Media’s Danny Straus and Vince Outlaw added play-by-play and color commentary for this men’s basketball game. To watch the video, click here. Audio feeds and transcripts will be shared as they become available.
The San Diego City College men’s basketball team (23-5, 15-1 PCAC) ended its regular season with a decisive 79-60 victory over Palomar College on sophomore night, Friday, Feb 21.
The Knights never trailed and led by as much as 26 points.
City had four players in double-digit scoring led by sophomore center Marley Gonzalez’s 17 points.
Sophomore forward Reid Celestin was instrumental for the Knights, recording his first double-double of the season, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds.
“We tell Reid that if you play with force, you make us a winning team,” head coach Mitch Charlens said after the game. “Reid playing with force assures us a win and that he’ll play well.”
The Knights’ defense also played with force, holding Palomar to 60 points, which is 17 points below their season average.
City’s eight sophomores were honored after the game and given framed pictures of themselves in action by the school.
The Knights then reflected on how much they enjoyed playing with each other.
“This is one of those groups you’re around where you always feel love,” sophomore guard Logan Huston said. “We all love each other, playing for each other and being around each other off the court, which shows by our recent play.”
“I love the guys we have,” Celestin said. “This is my favorite team I’ve ever been on.”
Celestin felt the love from his teammates, who crashed his post-game interview with City Times Media with joyous applause.
But throughout the celebration, the team was still focused on the work ahead.
“I loved my time at San Diego City College but we’re not done yet,” Huston said.
The Knights clinched the Pacific Athletic Coast Conference championship on Wednesday with a 74-62 victory over Southwestern, giving them an automatic bid to the 2C3A Men’s Basketball Regional South Tournament.
City will enter postseason play on a 10-game winning streak and have won 16 of its last 17.
The slate is now wiped clean and it’s win or go home for the Knights.
Playoff Schedule
The Knights (23-5, 15-1 PCAC) are playoff-bound for the 11th straight season and are seeded number 6 out of 24 teams in the 3C2A South Region playoffs. They will have a bye for the first round and play the winner of Wednesday’s matchup of Cerritos and Saddleback on Saturday, March. 1 at Harry West Gym at 7 p.m.
The Knights had a successful run to the Elite 8 last season, but with a revamped roster, Charlens spoke about the difference in this year’s team.
“I feel like we’re a better defensive team this year,” he said. “We’re the number one defensive team in the state. We scored better last year but I feel like we’re more connected and a better defensive team now.”
Admission for Saturday’s playoff at Harry West Gym is $12 for the general public and $8 for students, faculty, staff, senior citizens age 60 and over, and children less than 12 years of age.
