Chargers Unable to Push for an Upset in Late Night Matchup

Becker made four three-pointers Wednesday night.

Cypress falls in conference opener.

January 7, 2009

box score

Cypress, Calif. – Cypress celebrated the court dedication of Don Johnson Court and quickly got to work opening conference against the second ranked Tigers of Riverside. After a very late start (9:30 pm), Cypress battled to a 94-88 loss to Riverside as the game ended at 11:35 pm. Freshman guard Nick Becker kept Cypress in the game late making four straight three-pointers in the second half finishing with 16 points.

The Chargers grabbed the lead early with a seven point lead after three minutes of play. Riverside chipped away and took the lead for good with 14:41 left in the first half. From there, Cypress fought to stay in it as the Tigers took a ten point lead to end the first half 41-31. Riverside got as much as a 17 point lead midway through the second half before Cypress showed new life going on a 15-2 run cutting the Tiger lead to four. The Chargers stayed in the mix from there getting as close as one point but Riverside would not relinquish the lead ending the game up six.

Sophomore forward Devon McDonald led Cypress with a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds). Sophomore guard DuWayne King led Cypress in scoring with 17 points and five assists. Freshman guard Tim Austin added 13 points. Sophomore forward John Staats pitched in 12 points while sophomore forward Sean Starkey added ten. Free throws plagued Cypress as they went 25-42 on the game.

Cypress falls to 10-11 and 0-1 in conference. They take just a day off before heading to Santa Ana for a rematch against the Dons. Cypress lost to Santa Ana just a week ago in the championship game of the San Diego Mesa Tournament 70-64. Santa Ana is 10-8 and 0-1 in conference coming off of a 77-64 loss to Riverside. The teams meet up again Friday at Santa Ana at 7:30 pm.