Cypress Comes Up Short in Overtime Conference Clash

CYPRESS, CA- Cypress women's basketball (19-6, 7-2 OEC) lost a tight face-off in overtime against the visiting Orange Coast Pirates (24-1, 8-1 OEC), 77-73. 

On Cypress's Blackout Night and recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness game, the first and second place teams in the Orange Empire Conference took the court. Chargers home fans packed Don Johnson Court in their all-black attire for the tense battle for the top of the conference. 

The first frame proved it would be a back-and-forth matchup, as each team fought for possession. Cypress managed to lead the game 15-9 at the end of the first quarter. The home team maintained their advantage and extended it to double digits when Thao Truong made a three-pointer. Within three minutes in the second, the Pirates cut the lead to one point. At the end of the first half, Cypress was up, 32-31. 

The energetic action continued into the second half as the Chargers attempted to distance themselves from Orange Coast. When the third quarter finished, the home team led, 49-44. The Pirates broke through with six minutes left in the game to take their first lead of the second half. However, Cypress regained their edge from an Ashley Hawkins three-pointer. The Chargers were up until the final second of the game. Orange Coast drew a foul that allowed three free-throw opportunities, and made two, to tie the game, 64-64. In overtime, Cypress fell behind four points with six seconds left and took their third conference loss of the season. 

Hawkins was the top scorer for both sides with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Truong put up 14 points, 6 rebounds and two assists. Jasmine Uy achieved a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Cypress fell to third place in the OEC with three games remaining on the season. 

UP NEXT: The Chargers next faceoff will be their final home game of the regular season on Friday, February 10th against the Irvine Valley Lasers. Tip-off will be at 6pm. 

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