OCC handles Chargers

Pirates earn 78-65 victory over Cypress to maintain share of Orange Empire lead, but coach says they did not play their best.COSTA MESA -- Members of the Cypress College men’s basketball program might not appreciate the fact that Orange Coast College Coach Steve Spencer was less than happy with the Pirates’ 78-65 Orange Empire Conference win over the Chargers Friday night.

But Spencer and his team, ranked No. 16 in the state and fresh off a convincing road win at No. 6-ranked Riverside on Wednesday, are to the point where they no longer judge success or failure by the final score.

“The best teams play against excellence, not the opponent,” said Spencer, whose Pirates improved to 15-6, 2-0 in conference, yet failed to meet his standard.

“Tonight was not one of our better games,” said Spencer, whose team matched last season’s victory total and remained tied for the Orange Empire lead. “Our kids are playing together, but they’re not always bringing the type of effort needed to get to the championship level. To do that, you need to play well every night out. We’re trying to get to the point where we can win a conference championship.”

The Pirates committed 18 turnovers and sent the Chargers (11-9, 0-2) to the foul line 27 times. But Cypress had 23 turnovers and did not shoot as well as the hosts, particularly from three-point range.

Orange Coast drained 10 of 24 three-point attempts, five in each half, while Cypress produced just two three-pointers in 10 attempts.

Reggie Brown led the Pirates with 16 points, including four three-pointers.

OCC starters Greg Okwudibonye (14 points), Matt Davis (11) and Ortiz (10) also scored in double figures.

Steven Cornett contributed nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds for the winners.

Okwudibonye and Davis each made 5 of 7 field-goal tries and Davis added five rebounds and four blocked shots.

Ortiz produced a team-high five assists.

Houstan Downey paced the Chargers with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Orange Empire Conference

Orange Coast 78,

Cypress 65

Score by Halves