CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's basketball team (3-1) started the 2018 season 3-0 before falling to the Long Beach City College Vikings (6-1) on Wednesday night, 77-75. The Chargers have not had a 3-0 start since the 1994-95 season.

The Vikings jumped out to an 8-point lead half way through the first. Holding their lead, the Vikings found themselves up by four with two minutes to go. The Chargers would make a push to close the gap. Capitalizing on free throws and a turnover by the Vikings, the Chargers came back to tie the game, 36-36, to end the first half.

Sophomore forward, Mike Magee, led the Chargers in the first half with 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting. Isaac Stell put up 8 points in the first, while reserves, Kyle Small and Kae'jon Barnes combined for 13 first half points.

Nathaniel Moore started the second half with a lay up to get the Chargers scoring started. Cypress and the Vikings went back and forth to the hoop, taking turns as to who had the lead. The Chargers had finally pulled away from the Vikings with a four-point lead, but with some missed free throws and defensive miscues, the Vikings wiggled their way out in front. With a minute left, the Chargers found themselves down by five. The Chargers would come within two points of the Vikings with seconds left on the clock, but were unable to make a play. 

Magee led the way for Cypress, tallying 20 points and 9 boards on the night. Stell added 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Chargers.

NOTE - Pre-game, Professor Gary Gopar was honored as the first"Faculty Member of the Game". Gopar is a music professor and department chair, who recently earned full tenure at Cypress College. He has toured with many talented musicians and bands, most famously toured with Sublime. He is great supporter of our athletic programs. 

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