College Article Feature: Cleveland’s career night lifts Stars past Knicks

Written by Zachary Halliday | Brigham Young University

The Salt Lake City Stars defeated the Westchester Knicks 132-124 on Saturday at the Maverik Center, earning their second win against the Knicks this season and extending their winning streak to three games.

Guard-forward Matthew Cleveland delivered a standout performance for Salt Lake City, posting a career-high 39 points and 19 rebounds to go with three assists and three steals. Cleveland shot 14 of 20 from the field, 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and a perfect 5 of 5 from the free throw line.

“I was in the zone, super in the moment,” Cleveland said, citing his mental preparation and toughness as critical factors in his performance.

Mo Bamba and Dereon Seabron each finished with 19 points for the Stars, with Seabron adding 10 assists for a double-double. Sean East II scored 18 points, while Justin Harmon added 12. Coach Rick Higgins credited the team’s offensive success to unselfish play.

“Every time that we have high assist numbers and everybody gets to score, we are a thousand times better,” Higgins said.

The Knicks jumped to a fast start in the first quarter, building a 31-17 lead behind strong offensive rebounding and efficient shooting from the field and beyond the arc. Despite a slow start, the Stars responded with a 7-0 run to close the quarter, sparked by Cleveland’s 13 points and 6 rebounds to lead all players.

Salt Lake City carried that momentum into the second quarter, taking control of the offensive side of the ball with timely three-pointers and multiple and-one opportunities. After several lead changes, the game was tied 62-62 before Bamba’s put-back at the buzzer gave the Stars a 64-62 lead at halftime.

East II opened the second half with a 29-foot 3-pointer from the top of the arc, setting the tone for the Stars. Salt Lake City knocked down seven three-pointers and dished out 10 assists, helping seven different players score and increasing the lead to 102-94 heading into the fourth.

The Knicks made a push late in the game, cutting the deficit to two. Cleveland responded with a difficult layup, a stolen pass, and an alley-oop assist to Harmon in a 17-second span, bringing the Stars ahead 110-102. His emphatic put-back dunk and a clutch three late in the quarter sealed the victory for Salt Lake City.

Cleveland, who joined the Stars on Jan. 14 in a trade with the Texas Legends, has scored 20 or more points in four straight games.

“The stat line looked crazy on paper,” Cleveland said, mentioning the team’s reactions to his performance. “My coaches and teammates have been giving me confidence since I got here.”

With the win, Salt Lake City improved to 9-12, while Westchester dropped to 6-14. The Stars will head to Tempe, Arizona, on Thursday to face the Valley Suns at Mullett Arena.