The Knights overcame a 5-point deficit in the final two minutes of regulation to force overtime where they pulled out a 95-93 victory over visiting Long Beach City. Devyn Iglehart led the Knights with 28 points, six assists, and made the two free throws that sent the game into the extra period.
Justice Howard had 16 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks off the bench. Trevor English put in 17 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Josh White added 10 points.
The Knights shot a scorching 57 percent from the floor in the first half, but fell behind by as many as nine points due in large part to turnovers and fouls. SDCC committed 11 turnovers that led to 10 points for Long Beach. The Knights also committed 13 fouls in the first half leading to 13 free throw attempts for the Vikings, 12 of which were made.
Despite shooting themselves in the foot, the Knights were able to cut into the Vikings' 9-point lead and got within two at 44-42 by halftime.
The Knights stayed close throughout the second half, but found themselves down, 85-80, with 2:06 remaining after a jumper by Ashton Edwards who had 20 points for Long Beach. Howard came back on the other end with a layup. After a defensive stop, English rebounded a missed 3-pointer by Bren Haley and was fouled on the put back attempt. English made both free throws to close the gap to 85-84 and the Knights then purposely fouled Carlos Sanchez who was only able to make 1-of-2 free throws.
On the ensuing possession, Iglehart was put on the free throw line with 20 seconds left after being fouled on a drive to the hoop. He made both attempts to tie the game at 86-86 and Long Beach failed to convert on their final possession.
In the overtime session with the game even at 92-92, Verne Brooks gave the Knights the lead for good after making a put-back layup with 1:52 remaining. After one made free throw by each team, Long Beach had one last chance with 4.6 left, but a long 3-point attempt by Jesse Jones missed and the Knights prevailed.
The win was the Knights' fourth in a row and improved their record to 10-7. It was also the Knights second win over Long Beach in a week. SDCC defeated the Vikings, 59-56, in the semifinals of the Bill Brummel Classic at Saddleback College on Dec. 14.
