Chargers Win Back-to-Back Home Conference Appearances

CYPRESS, CA- Cypress women's basketball (14-4, 2-0 OEC) picked up their second consecutive conference win Wednesday night against the Riverside Tigers (15-4, 2-1 OEC), 80-67. 

Cypress held Riverside scoreless in the opening three minutes of play. It began with an initial low scoring effort, but the energy shifted to a fast-paced first half. The home team recorded 20 attempts while the Tigers had 21 in the first 10 minutes alone. With the frame about to end, Don Johnson Court erupted from an Ashley Hawkins successful and one layup that put the team up by five. In the second frame, it was a back and forth affair as the home team kept a consistent six point advantage. First half of play ended with the Chargers leading, 35-30.

As the second half began, Cypress broke open for a double-digit lead off of a Jaylene Oviedo three-point shot. Midway through the third quarter, the Tigers crawled back and minimized their deficit to four points. However, the Chargers did not break and the two teams scored 18 points each in the third frame. In the final 10 minutes, the Chargers regained control with key steals and rebounds in a flash. The home team had a three-point lead which quickly turned into a 12-point advantage within two minutes. Cypress held strong by keeping their double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter. As the clock expired, the Chargers tallied a second conference win by defeating the Tigers, 80-67. 

The scoring was shared amongst the entire team in the solid 13-point win from Cypress. Jasmine Uy led the team with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Jaylene Oviedo helped the team keep control of the ball with 9 steals while tallying 19 points and 5 assists. Ashley Hawkins was second in scoring by netting 20 points, acquiring 4 steals and coming down with 4 rebounds. In a battle of possession, the Chargers managed to steal the ball 13 more times than the visiting team and were 73% at the free throw line. The two teams will meet again on February 3rd, in Riverside for their second conference faceoff. 

UP NEXT: The Chargers next matchup will be their first road appearance against the Orange Coast Pirates. Tip-off will be at 5pm.

Release by Michelle Navarro, Cypress SID