Chargers Fall to the Lasers

CYPRESS, CA - The Chargers fought valiantly in their home conference opener but came up just short against Irvine Valley College, falling 77-72 in a thrilling contest on Friday night.

Cypress got off to a hot start, using full-court pressure to build a 9-0 lead early in the first quarter. They maintained their momentum and closed the quarter with a 25-14 advantage.

The Lasers responded in the second quarter with a 17-5 run, seizing their first lead of the game at 31-30. Both teams traded baskets in a tightly contested period. With seconds remaining before halftime, Chargers guard Kalysa Ng was fouled on a layup and converted the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 39-39 heading into the break.

In the third quarter, the Lasers pulled ahead, outscoring the Chargers 20-11 to take a 59-50 lead into the final frame. Irvine Valley seemed poised for a comfortable victory until the final five minutes, when Ng sparked a late rally with a clutch floater. The Chargers clawed their way back, cutting the deficit to just four points (75-71) with 17 seconds remaining.

However, a missed layup and a critical turnover in the final moments dashed the Chargers' hopes of a comeback, resulting in a loss to the Lasers.

Ng led the Chargers with an impressive 22 points and was supported by Christaesha Jackson, who recorded a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Andrea Lopez also contributed 12 points and 3 rebounds in the hard-fought loss.

UP NEXT:  The Chargers travel to Santa Ana on January 15^th at 5:00pm.

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