Huge First Half Propels Chargers Past Cuyamaca, 80-62

Huge First Half Propels Chargers Past Cuyamaca, 80-62

By Wes McCurtis

CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's basketball team (5-6) defeated the Cuyamaca College Coyotes (4-9) 80-62 at home on Thursday night.

O'Shae Williams led the way for the Chargers with a game-high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Brennon Palmer added 19 points (8-of-10) and 7 rebounds for Cypress.

The Chargers played their best basketball of the season on both ends of the floor in the first half, outscoring the Coyotes 43-12. Cypress shot a blistering 57.1% from the field while holding Cuyamaca to just 14.3% shooting in the half. Freshman guard Johnny Mims carried the Chargers offense off the bench. Mims scored a career-high 11 points, while dishing out 5 assists, all in the opening frame.

Facing a 31-point deficit entering the second half, the Coyotes played inspired basketball. Cuyamaca eventually cut the Cypress lead to only 13 points with over 2 minutes remaining. Jon Irving and Spencer Smith combined for 31 points in the second half to spark the Cuyamaca comeback. However, the Chargers proved to be too much as Williams drilled a late three-pointer to put the game out of reach and secure the Cypress victory.

Men's basketball will return to action at home on Wednesday, December 21 when they host Long Beach City College at 5:00 p.m.

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