CYPRESS, CA - Cypress men's basketball (16-11, 9-6 OEC) lost to the Santiago Canyon Hawks (17-10, 9-6 OEC), 87-61.

The Chargers started off slow, and did not make their first bucket until three minutes into the game with a layup from Hadi Essayli. Cypress quickly gained momentum after, with back-to-back 3-pointers from Lake Ballard to take their first lead of the game. The game stayed close for the majority of the first half, but Santiago slowly stretched their lead. The first frame came to a close with a long three from Santiago that ended the half with a score of 36-22. 

The momentum stayed with Santiago in the second half. Grant Sii made a layup to reduce the deficit to 26 at 16 minutes left. Allen Wright had multiple strong offensive plays that led to free throws to keep the Chargers in the game. Mathis Aiassa and Ryan Steward finished the game with Cypress's final 5 points, making the final score 87-61. Santiago Canyon was 50% from the 3-point line, and won the stat line in every category. 

Grant Sii had an impressive offensive game with 22 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. The next highest scorer was Allen Wright with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2, and 2 assists. Hadi Essayli scored 6 points, had 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

UP NEXT: The Chargers have their final conference game on the road against Irvine Valley on February 16 at 6PM. 

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