Palomar Edged by Grossmont at Home, Turns Focus to Final Week

SAN MARCOS, CA (2/13/2026) -- After earning a road win at Imperial Valley earlier in the week, Palomar returned home Friday night but fell just short in an 81–79 loss to Grossmont College in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play.

The Comets trailed 42–35 at halftime before mounting a second-half push, outscoring the Griffins 44–39 over the final 20 minutes. Palomar had opportunities late, but Grossmont's early efficiency and balanced scoring proved to be the difference.

Jaidyn Norman delivered a standout performance with 28 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 11-of-20 from the field while adding six assists. Angel Ochoa contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, and Justin White matched him with 14 points and eight boards of his own.

Isaiah Pomare added nine points, while Tore-Andre Gray chipped in seven points and five rebounds off the bench. Despite finishing with 18 assists and winning the second-chance points battle 15–7, Palomar struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 24.2% from three.

With the loss, the Comets move to 17–9 overall and 9–5 in PCAC play as the regular season enters its final week.

Palomar will hit the road Wednesday night to face MiraCosta College, looking to close out the regular season on a strong note before postseason play begins.