San Marcos’ defense limited North County Christian to less than 25-percent shooting on Thursday at the Coast Union Tournament, holding down the Knights 51-33.
Nick Marquez led the Royals with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists and helped San Marcos earn a semifinal matchup with Santa Fe Christian at 4 p.m. on Friday.
“Defensively we did great,” said Royals coach Jarrod Bradley, whose team held the Knights under 10 points per quarter until the fourth.
San Marcos improves to 2-3 overall despite missing some key players.
The Royals outrebounded North County Christian 40-28. Junior Josh Guild was the team’s second-leading rebounder with eight to go with seven points.
SAN MARCOS 51, NORTH COUNTY CHRISTIAN 33
San Marcos — Marquez 21, Koopmans 2, Rios 3, Mkpado 4, Moore 6, Dodson 6, Yinger 2, Guild 7. Totals 22, 5-12
NCC — Honeycutt 2, Chastain 5, Shipley 10, Reddel 15, Jespersen 1. Totals 13, 4-13
San Marcos 14 14 10 13 – 51
N. County Christian 6 8 7 12 – 33
3-Pointers – NCC 3 (Reddel, Chastain, Shipley) SM 2(Marquez, Rios). Total Fouls – NCC 9, SM 12.