Preview: Santiago Canyon Hawks at Cypress Chargers

CYPRESS, Calif. (Interstat) — The Santiago Canyon Hawks look to solidify their standing near the top of the conference when they visit the Cypress Chargers in a California community college men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night.

The Hawks (15-5) enter with momentum, having won five of their last seven games, including a 75-70 victory over Santa Ana last Friday. They previously defeated Cypress 68-57 at home on Jan. 9.

Santiago Canyon is led by versatile forward Paris Lassiter, who is coming off a near-triple-double performance of 9 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists against Santa Ana. Over his last four games where he saw significant minutes, Lassiter has averaged 13.8 points and 12.5 rebounds. He is complemented by guards Dominic Bolton and Ryan Weber, who combined for 39 points in the latest win.

The Cypress Chargers (11-10) aim to defend their home court and split the season series. They are coming off a narrow 78-76 home win over Irvine Valley, fueled by 17 points from guard Michael Wright. Consistency has been a challenge for Cypress, which has alternated wins and losses in its last five contests.

In the Jan. 9 meeting, the Chargers were held to 57 points, their second-lowest output of the season. Reversing that offensive struggle will be a priority. Wright, along with Zack Moritz and Jack Rivera, who combined for 33 points in the last game, will be central to that effort.

The Hawks have shown a potent offense, scoring 98 and 104 points in wins earlier this month, but have also been involved in several tight games, with three of their last six decided by three points or fewer.

Game time is 7 p.m. at Cypress College. Admission is $5, cash only.