Second Effort Is Difference for Santa Ana

Santa Ana had several sources of inspiration Wednesday as the Dons beat host Cypress, 99-88, in an Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball game.

Coach Ray Rodriguez made an aggressive halftime speech followed up by a quick blast during a timeout to reinforce his point about playing better defense and taking smarter shots.

The Santa Ana women’s team also did its part, as the eight players and Coach Jack Singles cheered long and loud during the second half.

With the victory, the Dons (24-6, 10-3) clinched a tie for the conference title. But Santa Ana still needs to win at Fullerton Friday to be assured of the conference’s top spot for the Southern California playoffs.

“One more and we’ll be fine,” Santa Ana Coach Ray Rodriguez said.

Cypress was up, 38-37, at the half but Santa Ana scored 62 points after the break, led by sophomore forward Greg Gray.

Gray had 17 points in the second half and finished with a game-high 32. He had 33 in Friday’s victory over Orange Coast.

“Coach just told us we really needed this one,” Gray said. “I don’t know why but it always takes us a long time to put teams away.”

Santa Ana, which had lost to Cypress in the first round, pushed the lead to 79-64 with 6 minutes 45 seconds left on a fast-break basket by sophomore guard Brian Chambers, who scored 15 points, all in the second half.

Cypress got as close as six on a dunk by Vincent Warshaw with 2:45 left, but Chambers made a three-pointer five seconds later.

Towan Oliver had 22 for Cypress, including 17 in the first half. Oliver had no points when the teams met earlier this season.

Meko Parker added 21 and Adam Rachlin had 15, all in the second half, for Cypress (14-16, 7-6).