M. Basketball: Everett May knocks down six three-pointers in Falcons win

File Photo: Taeo Thomas (0) hit the go-ahead shot in the second half in the Falcons win over Cypress
File Photo: Taeo Thomas (0) hit the go-ahead shot in the second half in the Falcons win over Cypress

Out of the lineup for the last two games due to an illness, sophomore Everett May (Los Alamitos HS) returned to the lineup with a hot shooting hand. Struggling from long distance up until Friday night, May drained his first four three-point shots and finished the night with a career-high six three-pointers and 22 points, as the Falcons posted a 70-62 win over visiting Cypress College. Facing the Chargers for the first time since the 2008-09 season, Cerritos (3-4) drained 10 three-pointers on the shot and shot 54.3% overall, as they battled back from 51-44 second half deficit.

The Falcons started their comeback on a three-pointer from freshman Dillon Botts (Mayfair HS) and after consecutive three-pointers from May and sophomore Taeo Thomas (Verbum Dei HS), it was a 57-56 lead with 4:33 left in the second half. They were able to maintain the lead after baskets from sophomore Cameron McCoy (Taft HS) and freshman Darron Henry (Long Beach Poly HS) made it a 64-59 advantage. Leading 64-60 with 57 seconds left, May was fouled and he converted both free throws to seal the win. Prior to converting both free throws, May had missed his three other attempts. In the final minute, Cerritos was 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

Cypress had been riding the hot shooting of Mark Onyejekwe, who had four three-pointers, while five different players hit long distance shots for the Chargers (2-6). However, in the last three minutes, the Chargers were 2-for-7 from the field, with five of those attempts three-pointers.

Along with his 22 points, May added five rebounds, while Henry finished with 12 points, seven assists and a pair of rebounds. Thomas came off the bench to add 10 points, five rebounds and four assists, with McCoy adding eight points and seven rebounds.

Cerritos travels to Santa Monica College next Friday for a 6:00 p.m. game.