Charger Comeback Averted in Pivotal Loss to Saddleback
Boyd scored 31 points Wednesday night. |
February 13, 2008
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Cypress, Calif. – Cypress was in a position to lock up at least a fourth place finish Wednesday night against the fifth place Gauchos of Saddleback. After defeating the Gauchos by 21 the last time around, the Chargers were stymied in a tight game losing 78-76. Cypress was led by sophomore guard Khalif Boyd in his final game on the Charger home court scoring 31 points with five assists and three steals while playing 38 minutes.
The first half went back and forth with six ties and three lead changes. Freshman guard DuWayne King hit a last second jumper to end the half down 42-41. The fight continued through the second half and Saddleback took the biggest lead of the second half 75-68 with three minutes left on the clock. Cypress stormed back with seven straight points sparked by a three-pointer by Boyd tying the game at 75 with just under a minute to go. After a foul, Saddleback hit both free-throws to take the lead again. On Cypress’s possession, the Chargers missed a three but freshman forward Devon McDonald grabbed the rebound and was fouled on his way up. He hit one of two cutting the Gaucho lead to one with four seconds left. Cypress was forced to foul and Saddleback converted one free throw up by two with three seconds left. Cypress drove the ball up court and sent up a last second long distance shot that missed ending the game in favor of the Gauchos.
Sophomore guard Eric Butler also played his final home game putting up 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds. King was also in double digits with ten points along with three assists and three steals. Freshman guard Sean Starkey and McDonald combined fore 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Cypress is now just one game ahead of Saddleback in conference putting playoff hopes in jeopardy. The Chargers must hold on to fourth place with the top three conference opponents left to play in the season in order to make an argument for playoffs. Saddleback has a bye and then sixth place Orange Coast and Irvine Valley left to play. Cypress will start with second place Irvine Valley Friday night. The last time they faced off, Cypress lost 84-57. They meet up again Friday night at 7:30 at Irvine Valley.
