MEN'S BASKETBALL: FULLERTON OVERRUNS CYPRESS

The Hornets won their conference opener at home Wednesday night taking down crosstown rival Cypress College 75-66.

The win gives FC their first conference win of 2017 and lands them at 12-5 overall. The Charger loss gives them a 0-1 OEC record and an overall record of 8-8.

The Hornets got it going early taking a 7-0 lead on an Andre Kennedy three-pointer at the 17:43 mark. Cypress quickly erased the deficit tying it up 7-7 on a jumper by David Murrell (16:12).

Fullerton made a strong push after that going on a 10-3 run for a 17-10 lead at 11:06. FC kept the Cypress offense in check, despite allowing 4 three pointers. By halftime, Fullerton led 37-26.

In the second half Fullerton kept the Chargers at an arms length maintaining, at minimum, an eight-point lead. Cypress continued to work tirelessly chipping away at the Hornet lead getting within seven (69-62) with just over a minute in regulation. Just when the momentum was about to swing in the Charger's favor, Fullerton's defense stepped up granting Cypress only two points.

It was a good night for the FC shooters as the team shot 62.5% from the floor to Cypress' 43.6%. Both teams were solid beyond the arc with FC going 7 for 12 and Cypress hitting 7 of 16.

The Hornets were also strong on the boards out-rebounding their opponent 36-20.

FC's Kenny Barnes had a big night scoring a game-high 21 points, with 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Ian Fox delivered with 16 points (3 of 5 three-pointers), 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kendall Lauderdale was solid down low scoring 13 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Dillon Reise scored 10 points with 6 rebounds, and Andre Kennedy chipped in with 5 assists.

Up Next: The Hornets (12-5, 1-0) will travel to Santa Ana College on Friday, January 6th for another OEC showdown. Tipoff is at 7:00 pm.

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