The game time for Friday’s crosstown boys basketball game between Santa Barbara High and San Marcos at the Thunderhut has been moved to 4 p.m.
The reason for the earlier start is due to the possibility of San Marcos having to play a Channel League playoff game against Rio Mesa later that day.
The Royals and Rio Mesa are battling for the league’s fourth automatic berth for the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. Santa Barbara (10-3 in league) has qualified as either a second or third-place team.
A play-in game would be necessary if San Marcos loses to Santa Barbara in the regular-season finale. The Royals are 7-6 going into the game. Rio Mesa completed its regular season at 7-7 after losing to the Royals on Wednesday night, 62-58.
The tip-off for the league playoff game would be at 8 p.m., at the Thunderhut. San Marcos won a coin-flip to determine the home site, said San Marcos Athletic Director Aaron Solis.
The reason for this adjustment is all league play must be concluded by Friday, Feb. 3 to be considered for CIF postseason competition.
The CIF-SS playoff draws will be released on Sunday.
San Marcos was supposed to play Santa Barbara on Jan. 9 at SBCC’s Sports Pavilion, but that game was canceled due to the heavy rain that week.
The rivals played Jan. 27 at Santa Barbara and the host Dons won, 63-50.
For those who purchased tickets for the original game on Jan. 9, those tickets will be refunded directly from Go Fan.
Tickets for Friday’s 4 p.m. game will be available at 12 p.m. on Thursday on GoFan. Ticket availability is limited.
A new ticket must be purchased for the 8 p.m. game.
San Marcos students who have Royal Cards must show their LIVE Minga App with the Royal Card logo showing. Screenshots of ID cards will not be accepted; it must be a LIVE ID with a photo.
San Marcos parents with Boosters cards will need to show their Booster card to gain entry.
Royal Card and Booster Card do not guarantee entry as the gym may be at capacity.
Doors to the gym will open at 3:35 p.m.
Parking will be limited as school does not end until 3:34 pm.
The Junior Varsity game will follow the varsity game at 5:30 p.m.