MEN’S BASKETBALL: DESTABILIZING THE CHARGERS

The No. 2 Hornets came back from the holiday break hosting conference rival Cypress College on Friday, and took it to the Chargers 63-41.

The FC victory maintains a 14-0 undefeated season and gives them a 3-0 record in the Orange Empire Conference. The Cypress loss lands them at 9-6 overall and keeps them winless in the OEC at 0-3.

Cypress scored the game's first bucket off of the opening tipoff. The ball landed perfectly in front of Sebastian Castro who laid the ball in for two. Both teams went back and forth tying the game three times in the first 8 minutes. With the score knotted up at 10 apiece, Omajae Smith's 5 points got the Hornet offense in gear going on a 10-0 run (20-10) with 6 minutes left in the first half. By the time both teams exited for the locker rooms at halftime, Fullerton held a 31-22 advantage.

The Hornets expanded their lead by the 16-minute mark in the second half going up 40-26 thanks to a layup by DJ Houston. FC ran the table the rest of the way with their largest lead of 26 with 3 minutes left in the game.

Defense played in a key factor for Fullerton (The No. 1 D in the state) as they held the Charger offense to 26.7% in shooting and out-rebounded them 37-26. Only one player (Kamron Barnes with 10 points) from Cypress scored in double-digits.

Center Jacob Eyman led all scorers with 18 points. Omajae Smith put up 13 points, and Ronnie Stapp scored 10. Stapp also brought down 9 rebounds just missing a double-double. DJ Houston was all over the floor dropping in 9 points, had 7 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. Ryen Perry came off the bench and delivered 8 points.

Up Next: Fullerton (14-0 overall, 3-0 conference) travels to Golden West College on Wednesday, January 8th for another OEC game. Tip off is at 5:00 pm.

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