GETTING PAST CYPRESS
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cypress (14-9, 3-4) | 12 | 20 | 22 | 16 | 70 |
|
FULL (18-5, 6-1) | 16 | 25 | 13 | 21 | 75 |
In a district and OEC rivalry game, No. 17 Fullerton took care of business at home Wednesday night and just got past No. 13 Cypress 75-70.
Despite a better overall and conference record going into the game, Fullerton was behind Cypress in the CCCWBCA Poll that came out last Monday. The victory gives FC an overall record of 17-5 with an Orange Empire Conference record of 5-1. The Charger loss lands the team at 14-8 overall and 3-3 in the OEC. The Hornets are only a game back from first-place Orange Coast College (19-3 overall, 6-0 OEC).
The Hornets jumped out to an early lead of 14-4 in the first quarter that was capped by Erin Coi's jumper at the 2-minute mark. Unphased by FC's lead, the Chargers fought their way back into the game pulling within 4 (16-12) by the end of the quarter.
Fullerton took off on another run to open the second quarter pulling ahead 24-12 at 7:31 thanks to a Brittlay Carillo jumper. The Hornets kept their distance maintaining the lead by halftime at 41-32.
The game took a turn near the end of the third quarter. FC held a 54-46 advantage with at two minutes, but Cypress got hot going on an 8-0 run tying up the game 54-54 to start the fourth.
The fight was on as both teams exchanged shots, until the Hornet broke loose with a 59-54 edge. Cypress did not give up so easily pulling within 2 points (68-66) of Fullerton with a minute left in regulation. With time running out, Fullerton was forced to the foul line to ice the game hitting 5 out of 6 free throws.
Scoring a game-high 17 points for Fullerton was Erin Choi. She also added 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Kaylee Shimoda and Xochitl Hood (8 rebounds, 5 assists) both dropped in 14 points, while Julianna Conklin scored 11. Brittlay Carillo put up 7 points and Hailey Lakey was good for 6 with 4 assists for the win.
Up Next: Fullerton (17-5 overall, 5-1 OEC) will play another one at home this Friday, January 31st when Riverside City comes to town for another big OEC showdown. Game time is at 5:00 pm. Come out and support your Hornets!
