Preview: Fullerton Visits Cypress in Key California JUCO Matchup

CYPRESS, Calif. (Interstat) — The state’s top-ranked junior college men’s basketball team hits the road Friday as the Fullerton Hornets, riding a nine-game win streak, face the Cypress Chargers.

The California Community College Athletic Association matchup tips off at 7 p.m. at Cypress College. Admission is $5, cash only.

Fullerton (15-1) has been dominant, winning its games during the streak by an average margin of 23.2 points. Its lone loss was a 39-37 defensive battle at Santa Monica on Dec. 17. The Hornets are coming off an 80-64 road win at Riverside last Friday, where Yoda Oke posted a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double and Brayden Smith added 17 points off the bench.

Oke, a forward, is the focal point, averaging 24.3 points and 8.8 rebounds over his last four contests. He dropped 33 points in a win over Mount San Jacinto on Dec. 20.

Cypress (8-7) looks to halt a four-game skid, with its last win coming against Santa Monica on Dec. 19. The Chargers fell 68-57 at Santiago Canyon last Friday despite a massive 18-point, 16-rebound effort from forward Michael Wright.

Wright has been a bright spot, averaging a double-double over his last five games (15.2 points, 11.4 rebounds). His interior battle with Oke will be critical.

The Chargers’ recent losses have been narrow, including a 59-57 defeat at Irvine Valley on Jan. 7, suggesting they can challenge elite teams at home.

This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the Orange Empire Conference rivals. They will meet again at Fullerton on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Fullerton’s next game is at Santiago Canyon on Jan. 21. Cypress travels to face Saddleback on the same date.