January 27, 2017

Chargers Upset No. 7 Fullerton, 67-61

CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's basketball team (12-10, 4-3 OEC) upset No. 7 Fullerton College (17-6, 6-1 OEC) 67-61 at home on Friday night.

Fullerton

17-6, 6-1

Cypress

12-10, 4-3

Final

Fullerton 17-6, 6-1

Cypress 12-10, 4-3

By Robert Nilsen

CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's basketball team (12-10, 4-3 OEC) upset No. 7 Fullerton College (17-6, 6-1 OEC) 67-61 at home on Coaches vs. Cancer Night. The Cypress upset comes just two days after Fullerton knocked off No.1 Saddleback College.

O'Shae Williams led the Chargers with a season-high 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, while recording 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Brennon Palmer added 17 points and 5 rebounds.

Kendall Lauderdale led the Hornets with 15 points (6-of-7) and 6 rebounds.

The Chargers took control early, in a game where they never trailed with a 9-2 run to start the game. The Chargers added to their lead as it grew to an 11 point lead with 12:10 left in the first half. Fullerton stormed back as they went on a 21-10 run to tie the game at 29 with 1:46 left in the half. David Murrell hit a crucial three pointer with 11 seconds remaining to take a 32-29 lead into the locker room.

Fullerton responded with a three of their own two minutes into the second half to tie the game at 32. Cypress responded with a big 17-8 run to take a 49-40 lead with 12:33 remaining. Fullerton never gave up and replied with a 15-6 run to tie the game at 55 with 4:37 left. However, it was Cypress that converted on important possessions down the stretch. With under a minute remaining, Williams grabbed an offensive rebound off the Palmer miss from deep. He went up strong through contact to finish at the rim and converted at the line to give the Chargers a 61-57 lead they would not relinquish. Pascal Evans hit two free throws with six seconds left to ice the game for the Chargers and give them the upset win over district rival Fullerton.

Men's Basketball will return to action against Orange Coast College on Friday, February 3 at 5 p.m.

Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.