CYPRESS, CA- The Cypress Chargers (15-11, 7-7 OEC) hosted conference-rival Fullerton (22-2, 12-1 OEC) on Monday night. The Chargers led all game and took the Hornets down to final two minutes, but came up just short 64-57.
Cypress was led by Trent Goldmann who scored 17 points and knocked down five three-pointers. Tommie Flanagan had another big performance off the bench scoring 16 points and coming up with 4 rebounds. Hadi Essayli showed out on defense as he blocked two shots along with his 5 rebounds and was a key to the strong Chargers defensive performance. Chazz Hutchinson was the star for the Hornets as he totaled 15 points and 14 rebounds. Ryan Blackmon and Collin Reed each had 11 points off the bench for Fullerton.
Trent Goldmann got the night started for Cypress as he shot 4-of-6 from three-point range in the first half. The Chargers went into halftime with an 11 point lead, 37-26. Cypress and Fullerton traded three-point baskets out of the half time break as the Chargers were able to hold on to nine point lead for the first 12 minutes of the half. Fullerton made their run after Collin Reed knocked two three-pointers to bring the Hornets within one, 56-55, with three minutes to play. Fullerton would have their way as they went on a 17-1 run to close out the game, 64-57.
Coach Andrew Alhadeff said, "I am extremely proud of my team's effort, but we did not come up with 50-50 balls down the stretch. We needed to do a better job of grabbing rebounds against one of the top teams in the state. On the offensive side of the ball, we had one point in the last 8 minutes and we did not execute or get to the free throw line when we needed to."
UP NEXT: Cypress will play their final home game of the season on Wednesday, February 23rd. The Chargers will host Santa Ana on Wednesday and then travel to Riverside College for the regular season finale.
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