The Knights defeated Sierra College, 77-64, on Sunday to become champions of the Neil Edwards Classic as the only team to go undefeated (3-0) at the six-team tournament played at Citrus College. City's Martin Thomas was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and Caleb Singleton was selected to the All-Tournament team.
Thomas started the weekend off by making the game-winning free throw with one second remaining in a 66-65 victory over Chaffey. SDCC had to overcome an 18-point first half deficit to put themselves in position to win the game. On the Knights' final possession, Thomas was fouled on his way to attempt the game-winner. After missing the first free throw, Martin gave his team the lead for good by converting his second attempt. Christian Jones had 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Singleton had 15 points and Mike Scott added 12 points off the bench.
In the second game of the tournament against Orange Coast, the Knights built a 12-point lead by halftime and extended it to as many as 20 points in the second half. Thomas had 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in the Knights' 66-52 win over OCC. Singleton had a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Thomas led the way for the Knights against Sierra with nine points, 11 assists, and four steals. Singleton had a game-high 17 points to go with seven rebounds. The Knights fell behind by 10 points in the first half against Sierra, but battled their way back to tie the game at halftime. With 4:35 remaining and the score tied at 60-60, the Knights went on an 11-0 run in a two minute span to take control of the game. SDCC got a big boost from the bench with Mike Scott scoring 15 points and Chris Burton adding 13 points.
This is the second time that the Knights have won the Neil Edwards Classic championship. The first came in 2008 when they defeated Reedley in the title game.
The Knights are now 5-4 on the season and play Orange Coast on Friday in the opener of the Mt. San Antonio tournament.
