CYPRESS, CA- Cypress men's basketball (9-7, 2-2 OEC) defeated the Saddleback Bobcats (10-6, 2-2 OEC) by 22 points on Friday night, 75-53. 

In their first matchup of the year, both benches brought the energy for the conference appearance. The first five minutes of the game brought a contested and close scoreboard. A three-point shot from Hadi Essayli extended the Cypress lead to six. The home team held strong and grew their lead to double digits. At the end of the first half, Cypress spread the offense with multiple score leaders, Grant Sii and Blake Ballard, with each putting 12 points on the board.  

At half the Chargers led 39-25, after a high scoring start. Cypress continued their impressive offense by gaining a 20 point lead six minutes into the new half. Separating themselves, the Chargers excelled at every stat line. The home team out-rebounded the visiting Bobcats 31 to 18. Cypress was 92% at the free throw line, taking advantage of Saddleback fouls. 

Cypress came out on top with an impressive 22 point lead, winning the conference matchup, 75-53. Leading scorer, Blake Ballard netted 22 points with 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Grant Sii had the most assists with 7, as well as scoring 19 points and assisting 7 times. Hadi Essayli earned a double-double by scoring 11 points and rebounding the rock 11 times. The team win tallied the Chargers second conference victory with a 2-2 OEC record. 

UP NEXT: The Chargers will host the Golden West Rustlers, on January 9th at Don Johnson Court. Tip-off will be at 6PM. 

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