MEN'S BASKETBALL DOMINATES MENDOCINO COLLEGE

Shasta built an early cushion and never fully let it go Friday night, topping Mendocino 79–68 after taking an 11-point lead into halftime. Mendocino matched Shasta point-for-point after the break (37–37 in the second half), but the first-half deficit proved too much to erase.

Shasta's efficiency and ability to generate points at the foul line were the difference. The Knights shot 44.4% (28-of-63) from the field compared to Mendocino's 35.2% (25-of-71), and they consistently turned contact into points, finishing 16-of-22 at the stripe. Mendocino went 9-of-14 on free throws, leaving Shasta with a +7 advantage at the line in a game decided by 11.

Shasta also controlled the glass slightly (41–38), and while Mendocino actually took care of the ball better (8 turnovers to Shasta's 12), the Eagles couldn't capitalize enough because of cold shooting—especially from three (9-of-35, 25.7%).

Mendocino's second-half response showed resilience but Shasta's first-half surge, better overall shooting, and steady free-throw production allowed the Knights to control the game from start to finish.