Nineteen Point Lead Evaporates in Overtime Loss

McDonald had a double-double Friday night.

Cypress lost by one in overtime.

February 13, 2009

box score

Cypress, Calif. – Cypress took on third place Saddleback for the second time this season Friday night. After a bruising twenty point loss earlier in the year to the Gauchos, Cypress improved on their performance but came up just short of the win losing 64-63 in overtime. Sophomore forward Devon McDonald led the Chargers with a team high 19 points and 12 rebounds on the night.

The Chargers made a statement early breaking out to a 27-8 midway through the first half catching the Gauchos on their heels. Saddleback then made a run of their own creeping up throughout the rest of the first half to tie it up with 2:36 left in the first half and then taking the lead to end the half 34-32 in favor of Saddleback. The first half proved to be very clean as each team made just three turnovers.

Cypress made a strong start to begin the second half again taking an eight point lead but Saddleback came back much quicker going on an 8-0 run to tie it up. The Gauchos then held the narrow lead throughout the rest of the half until freshman guard Troy Baugh hit a jumper with a minute left to tie it up at 54-54 sending the game into overtime.

Saddleback held the lead throughout the overtime period with a four point lead with 30 seconds remaining. Cypress threatened a comeback as freshman guard Tim Austin hit an and-one jumper with six seconds left and converted the free throw. Saddleback took the ball out of bounds while Cypress pressed the Gauchos. It appeared as if Saddleback dribbled out of bounds but were able to just stay in as time ran out.

Austin also had a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Cypress starters accounted for all of Cypress’s 63 points on the night. Sophomore forward John Staats scored ten with six rebounds. Sophomore guard DuWayne King and Baugh combined for 17.

Cypress falls to 14-16 and 4-6 in conference still in fourth place. Cypress has the weekend off before hosting their final home game of the season taking on Irvine Valley. Cypress won the first matchup 66-57. The two meet up again Tuesday at Cypress at 5:30 pm.