Panthers Fourth Quarter Push Falls Just Short at Cypress

The Chaffey College women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with Cypress College on Tuesday night but came up short in an 82-73 road loss. Despite a strong fourth-quarter push and several standout individual performances, the Panthers were unable to overcome the Chargers' efficient shooting and interior presence.

Chaffey opened the game with solid ball movement and timely perimeter shooting, posting 17 first-quarter points behind early scoring from Aerilynn Young and Danielle Singley. The Panthers continued to attack through the second quarter, receiving a boost from Venezia Perez, who contributed five points to help Chaffey stay within striking distance. The Panthers trailed 40-35 at halftime and entered the break shooting 36.8 percent from the field.

Cypress gained separation in the third quarter, capitalizing on strong interior scoring and second-chance opportunities to extend the lead. Chaffey continued to generate looks from beyond the arc but shot 31.3 percent, falling behind 59-47 heading into the fourth.

The Panthers showed resilience, erupting for 26 fourth-quarter points while shooting 53.3% from the field. Niyah Thomas and Azcuenaga each connected from deep, while Young provided a steady presence on the glass and at the free-throw line. Chaffey cut the deficit to single digits multiple times, but the Chargers countered with timely baskets to hold off the late push.

Young delivered another strong performance, finishing with 13 points and a team-high 12 rebounds, her second straight double-double to begin the season. Singley added 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds, giving the Panthers a consistent scoring option throughout the night. Azcuenaga matched Singley with 17 points of her own off the bench, hitting four three-pointers and providing needed offensive energy. Thomas rounded out the scoring leaders with 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a game-high five steals.

As a team, Chaffey shot 35.9 percent from the field, 81.8 percent from the free-throw line, and produced 24 points from the bench. Ultimately, the Chargers' 51.6 percent shooting and 39 rebounds made the difference.

Chaffey will look to bounce back quickly as the Panthers hit the road again on Thursday, Nov. 6, to face Saddleback College at 5 p.m.