RIVAL VICTORY
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cypress (8-7, 1-2) | 26 | 33 | 59 |
|
FULL (14-1, 3-0) | 28 | 42 | 70 |
The No. 1 FC men's basketball team welcomed district and conference-rival Cypress College to the Hornets Nest Wednesday night and beat the Chargers 70-59.
Cypress was riding a seven-game win streak in the month of December, until they lost a close one to Orange Coast (63-61) before the New Year. Tonight's loss against the Hornets put them at 1-2 in the Orange Empire Conference, while Fullerton remains undefeated at 3-0.
As expected, the first half was an all-out battle with both teams matching one another shot-for-shot. With the scored tied up 8-8, FC snuck in a 6-0 mini-run that was highlighted by Mike Ofoegbu's dunk. The Hornets were up 14-8 at the thirteen-minute mark, however the lead was erased near the end of the half. With thirty seconds left, Cypress' Grant See sunk a jumper to tie the game back up at 26. A pair of free-throws by Sean Newman Jr. gave the Hornets a two-point edge (28-26) by halftime.
The Chargers swayed the momentum their way in the first five minutes of the second half snagging a 40-32 lead over Fullerton. After a full timeout was called by FC head coach Perry Webster, the Hornets took back the lead (43-42) on a deep three-pointer by RJ Banks at 11:58. The tug-of-war was on for the next six minutes with Fullerton breaking the game open at the five-minute mark when Sean Newman Jr. knocked down a three putting FC on top 61-58. The Hornets added to their lead with a couple of big shots by Jeremiah Davis. With a minute left in the game, Fullerton owned a comfortable 68-58 lead.
Sean Newman Jr. led FC with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Shaquil Bender scored 13 and added 5 boards. Jeremiah Davis contributed 10 points as did Mike Ofoegbu, who also had 5 rebounds and 3 dunks. Kobe Newton, RJ Banks, and Javon Jones all scored 7 points. Sammy Howlin chipped in with 5 rebounds and 3 blocks for the win.
Up Next: The Hornets (14-1 overall, 3-0 OEC) will get back at it again this Friday night when they travel to No. 16 Santiago Canyon College for another conference showdown. Game time is at 6:00 pm.
