Johnny Manzo turned in an all-around solid game to lead San Marcos to 54-37 win over Northwood in the fifth-place game at the Santa Barbara Holiday Classic on Thursday.
Manzo scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds.
“Johnny was very versatile tonight, taking great shots, rebounding the ball well and getting to the free-throw line,” said San Marcos coach Jarrod Bradley.
Christian Mkpado added 10 points on 5-5 shooting and Chad Ridenour scored 11 points.
“Christian was an absolute man-child today and I wish we could find a way to get him the ball more,” Bradley said. “We tend to forget how dominate he can be inside for us and tonight was one of those games. They had no answer for him.”
The Royals gave up six three-pointers in the first half and led 28-24, but they contained Northwood’s potent shooters and allowed only 13 points in the second half.
Nick Cope led Northwood with 12 points.
“We were lethargic on defense in the first half and allowed a good shooting team too many open looks,” Bradley said. “In the second half Chad and Donny really picked up the pressure and allowed Thayer and Johnny to stay home on their shooters.”
San Marcos, whose only tournament loss was by one point against tournament champion Clovis West, improves to 12-3 and returns to Channel League play Wednesday against Buena.
