MEN'S BASKETBALL: HORNETS GET PAST CYPRESS... BARELY

#10 in the state Fullerton College managed a close 79-77 victory against their district rival #18 Cypress College in a close Orange Empire Conference match-up.

Both North Orange County District (NOCCCD) teams have been very successful this year entering Wednesday night's game with equal conference records of 4-1.

Both college presidents Dr. Bob Simpson (Cypress) and Dr. Greg Schulz (Fullerton) were in attendance along with the NOCCD Chancellor Fred Williams. Also in attendance were Fullerton College Hall of Famers Edgar Clark and Bill Morris. Both were key components to the 1960-61 championship team. Clark was the 1961 state MVP and Morris was the 1962 "Player of the Year".

The Hornet win improves their record to 17-6 overall and 5-1 in the Orange Empire Conference. The Charger loss lands them at 17-5 overall and 4-2 in the OEC.

The first half was a battle with 6 ties and 2 lead changes. Every time FC took a decent lead, the Chargers countered with a deep three-pointer (50% from beyond). By the end of the half, the Hornets held a narrow 38-34 lead.

Fullerton opened up the second half like gang-busters going on a 11-6 run at the with just under 16 minutes left. With just under four minutes, FC held their largest lead of the game at 16 points (74-58).

Then it happened. The Chargers made a stand and went on an impressive 16-1 run getting within two points on a three-pointer by Zachary Perez (75-73).

The final minutes of the game turned into a dogfight with Fullerton surviving on Jesse Ghee's four free throws to hold on to the win.

For the Chargers, Jeremy Wright had a game high 27 points (6-13 from beyond the arc). Austin Payne and Jordan Fleck both put up 12 points each while Nolan Kelly scored 10 points.

Fullerton's Ian Fox ignited the offense scoring 23 points with 6 rebounds. Julian Richardson and Kenny Barnes both dropped in 13 points. Barnes also grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. Blake McBride scored 6 points and had 9 boards.

Up Next: The Hornets (17-6, 5-1) will host Irvine Valley College (13-9, 1-5) this Friday, January 29th. Fullerton bested IVC 67-55 in their first conference meeting a few weeks ago. Tip off will be at 7:00 pm.

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