By Wes McCurtis

CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's basketball program will return home to host their third Annual Don Johnson Classic in Gym II this Thursday through Saturday. After leading the Chargers to back-to-back CCCAA postseason appearances, Coach Alhadeff and his staff's young team have struggled to begin the 2017-18 campaign.

The Chargers (1-6) are coming off an 0-2 weekend in the Monterey Bay Classic. Cypress lost last Friday's tournament opener to undefeated Gavilan College, 68-64, before falling to a winless Santa Barbara team on Saturday, 60-57.

Despite their early struggles, the Chargers are the ninth best defensive team in the state, according to the most recent Massey Ratings. Cypress' struggles have come on the offensive end, where they average just 58.6 points per game while shooting 39.5% from the field. Sophomore Brennon Palmer (13.3 ppg) and freshman Mike Magee (12.7 ppg) have been the most consistent players for Cypress so far this season.

"I've been really proud of our attitude and effort. With a young group, we are still figuring out how valuable each possession is. We started the season in a bit of a shooting slump but I am positive that we will start making shots and continue to get better every day," said Coach Alhadeff.

Men's basketball will open tournament play against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners on Thursday at 6:00 pm in Gym II.

Check out the full tournament schedule HERE

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