CYPRESS, Calif. --- Saddleback scored 12 points off Cypress turnovers on Wednesday night and managed to gain control of OEC play after defeating the Lady Chargers by a score of 65-58.
Cypress found themselves within striking distance at the break but couldn't contain the Gauchos 48% shooting percentage in the second half.
With less then a minute to go in regulation, Deja Brooks hit four clutch free throws for Saddleback and ended up recording 20 points in the Gaucho victory.
Denshay Wallace recorded her fourth double-double on the season as she led the Chargers with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Breanna Patton shot a solid 50% from the field and added 10 points for Cypress while Lauren Hong and Katey Kanamoto both dropped eight points a piece.
Tess Sanders was able to come off the bench for Cypress and give the Chargers some energy in the second half. Sanders scored six points in her 20 minutes off the bench and took a much needed charge with less then five minutes to play.
The momentum fully shifted when Kaeleena Vardoulakis hit a three point basket for Saddleback with two minutes left to play, giving the Gauchos the eight point lead, 61-53.
The Lady Chargers will look to get back on track when they travel to face Santa Ana on January 29.
Cypress is now (4-1) in conference play with a (13-9) overall record.