Cypress Escape Irvine Valley Matchup with a Win

CYPRESS, CA- Cypress men's basketball (13-7, 6-2 OEC) win a close one against the Irvine Valley Lasers (4-16, 0-8 OEC), 55-50. 

The Chargers quickly went down double-digits four minutes into the game. Both teams went back-and-forth in scoring as Irvine Valley held the lead. Cypress remained down midway through the first half. The home team competed to come within four-points with seven minutes left. Hadi Essayli started the Cypress scoring to help ignite the comeback. But the visiting team separated again as the half ended, 26-33.    

When the second frame opened, the Chargers came out with a spark and a sense of urgency. The home team's defensive performance limited the Lasers scoring as Cypress crept back in. A key steal allowed Allen Wright to drain a three to take the lead with 16 minutes left in the game. 

At the midway point of the final half, the Chargers controlled the pace of the game and held a small lead of 7-points. The score was stagnant at 48-44 for four minutes straight as the Chargers worked to close out the win and the Lasers fought to regain the lead. Wright came up clutch once again with another deep three with two minutes left to put the home team up four points. The team managed to increase the lead and maintain possession. Irvine Valley fouled Cypress with free throws extending the score. The Chargers escaped with their sixth conference victory, 55-50. 

Wright played an important role throughout the second half finding the bucket for key three-point shots that aided the Chargers in their close win. The forward was a perfect 2-2 on free throws and 2-3 on three point attempts. Leading scorer, Hadi Essayli, acquired a double-double by scoring 15 points, coming down with 11 rebounds and had 4 assists.  Grant Sii had an overall of 7 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds. The Chargers managed to defeat the Lasers by five in a close fight to the end. 

UP NEXT: Cypress will be on the road for their next matchup versus the Riverside Tigers. Start time will be at 6pm. 

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