Sophomore guard Spencer Mattox came up big for the Knights in the final seconds on both ends of the floor as he hit the game-winning jumper, drew an offensive foul on defense, and then made an insurance free throw to give the Knights a 68-65 home win over MiraCosta on Wednesday night.
Mattox led the Knights with 17 points, including 11-of-15 from the free throw line, and four assists.
The Knights had an excellent start to the game by scoring the first seven points and then opening up a 23-5 lead midway through the first half.
MiraCosta, however, cut the Knights' lead down to 37-32 at the break by finishing the final 9:30 of the half on a 27-14 run.
The Knights kept a 4-8 point lead for the first six minutes of the second half, but the Spartans heated up and went on an 18-5 run to take their largest lead at 60-53 with 9:15 remaining.
City fought back and regained a 64-63 lead on a pair of free throws by Rico Falia. MiraCosta's Buddha Boyd was fouled on the other end and sank two free throws to give the Spartans a one-point lead.
With 1:38 remaining, Mattox tied the game by making 1-of-2 free throws. MiraCosta then had two chances to take the lead, but missed a three-pointer and a layup.
The Knights called timeout and then put the ball in the hands of Mattox who then hit a 16-foot jumper with 11.4 seconds left on the clock.
MiraCosta's Hector Travell then drove to the hoop, but Mattox stood his ground and drew an offensive foul with four seconds left.
Mattox was fouled once again and made 1-of-2 free throws to give City a 68-65 advantage.
Travell got off a three-pointer in time, but if was off the mark and the Knights celebrated the tough victory.
Leonard Allen gave the Knights 14 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Rico Falia added 12 points off the bench and Alex Wilbourn provided 11 points and six rebounds.
The Knights' next game will be at Palomar at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 15. City's next home game will be on Wednesday, January 20 at 5 p.m. against Miramar.
