Chargers Fall in Home Opener
Butler scored 18 points Tuesday night. |
November 7th, 2006
box score
Cypress, Calif. – The Chargers started this season at home for the first time in several years looking to start on the right foot. Long Beach City came to Cypress and ruined that plan outrunning Cypress for the eight point victory 78-70. Returning sophomore guard Brae Butler premiered her sophomore season with 18 points with 5 rebounds to lead the Chargers.
Cypress started strong catching the Vikings on their heels taking a ten point lead in the first 14 minutes. Long Beach picked up their pace forcing turnovers and converting fast break layups with a 14-2 run in the middle of the first half to take the lead for good. Long Beach kept their momentum going taking a big 14 point lead at half 48-34.
Cypress fought back in the second half coming to within four points with just a minute left. Cypress had a few chances to cut the lead again but was forced to foul to stop the clock eventually losing by 8 after four made Long Beach free-throw shots. Cypress shot for 41.9% on the game out-shooting Long Beach by percentage but the Vikings shot 18 more shots and forced 5 more Charger turnovers. Long Beach won the game in transition outscoring Cypress 18-4 in transition and outscoring Cypress by 7 off of turnovers.
Butler’s efforts were boosted by sophomore point guard Corianne Felix with 13 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals. Sophomore forward Brandi Thomas was the third Charger in double-digits with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Freshmen Saw-Ann Bryan and Tonisha Phelps began their careers as Chargers with 6 rebounds and 5 points respectively.
The Chargers have a day off before a long road trip to Merced to play in the Merced Shootout in an eight team tournament. Cypress starts with Sacramento City Thursday night at 9:00 pm. Sacramento City is 1-0 beating Merritt 67-44 Tuesday.