Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West men's basketball (1-15, 0-4 OEC) Cypress Chargers (7-10, 2-3 OEC), 58-82.

Golden West started the game on the right foot with a layup from Yvan Long and a defensive rebound to maintain position. Soma Doherty continued the momentum with a made basket and drew a foul. The Rustlers held a commanding 7-0 lead until Cypress managed to sink two threes to come within one. It was one score game as the Chargers tied it at eleven apiece. The two teams would continue to exchange the lead with a jump shot from Noel Camjeo and three's from the visiting side. A deep three from Dominic Mcbride would put the Rustlers within one and made a roar from the home team's bench. 

A successful fadeaway from DJ Williams put the Rustlers back on top with a 24-23 score midway through the first half. Williams would tie and take the lead within the same minute from two made free throws. A steal from Mcbride led to a breakaway, a good layup and two points to retake the edge. Though Cypress would regain the lead, Doherty took it right back with two made free throws. Tied at 32-32, Doherty footwork and work in the paint put the home team up by two. Out of a Cypress timeout, the Chargers were able to take a lead from two buckets. Doherty would help the Rustlers get back on top with a three from the corner. At half, the competitive matchup ended the first 20 minutes tied, 42-42. 

Mistakes from the Golden West ball carriers turned over the ball to the Chargers to allow them a six point lead. Cypress would take advantage midway through the second half to take a double-digit lead on the Rustlers, 44-58. The home team would be limited to only 16 points in the second half. The Rustlers lost control and were not be able to regain their footing. Though a competitive game in the first half, Golden West lost their fourth conference game to the Chargers, 58-82. 

NEXT UP: Golden West next OEC matchup will be on the road at Santiago Canyon on Friday, January 12th. Tipoff will be at 6pm.