Preview: Cypress Chargers at Saddleback Bobcats

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Cypress Chargers visit the Saddleback Bobcats in a California Community College Athletic Association matchup.

Both teams enter with identical 1-4 records in their last five games. Cypress (9-8 overall) looks to rebound from a 52-69 home loss to Fullerton last Friday. Saddleback (9-9) aims to end a four-game skid, most recently a 77-82 road loss to Santa Ana.

The Chargers will rely on forward Michael Wright, who has been a consistent force. Over his last six games, Wright is averaging 13.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest, including an 18-point, 16-rebound performance in a loss to Santiago Canyon on Jan. 9. In Friday’s defeat, he contributed 10 points and nine rebounds.

Saddleback’s backcourt, led by David Moon, will be critical. Moon is coming off one of his better performances of the season, posting 12 points and six assists in 30 minutes against Santa Ana. The Bobcats will need similar production to ignite an offense that has been held under 70 points in three of its last four outings.

Defensive intensity may decide this contest. Cypress has struggled offensively during its recent slide, failing to reach 60 points in three of its last five games. Saddleback, meanwhile, has allowed an average of 81 points per game during its losing streak.

The game tips off at 5 p.m. at Saddleback College. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for children ages 6-12, seniors 60 and older, and military with ID. Parking is $5.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They are set to meet again at Cypress on Thursday, Feb. 12.