CYPRESS, CA - Cypress women's basketball (8-7, 1-0) hosted the Riverside Tigers (7-9, 0-1 OEC) on Wednesday night in the first OEC match of the season. Cypress held off the late push by the Tigers and came out victorious, 73-70. 

Malia Goldsmith and Jaylene Oviedo led the Chargers with 18 points a piece as they knocked down a combined seven three-pointers. Alexcia Alvarez reached double figures with 12 points to go along with her five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Neveah Manning of RCC scored a team-high 24 points after sinking 10-11 free throws. Goldsmith had an impressive 18 points, six rebound, five assist, and five steal effort to lead Cypress to the victory. 

The Chargers and the Tigers traded baskets in the first quarter after Cypress got out to an early 10-2 lead. RCC scored six straight points too cut the deficit to two points heading into the second quarter. Cypress guards, Malia Goldsmith and Alexcia Alvarez, did their damage in the second period as they each poured in six points. The Chargers led at the half 37-26. Cypress kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter scoring a season-high 27 points in the quarter as they expanded their lead to 23 points. With their backs against the wall, Riverside kept fighting in the 4th quarter and brought the game within striking distance. Riverside finished the game on a 17-0 run and had the ball down three with six seconds left. Cypress was able to tighten up on defense and force a turnover to hold on to a three-point win. 

UP NEXT: Cypress will be back on the court Friday night at Orange Coast. Tip-off will be at 6:00pm. 

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