SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana women's basketball team put its three-game winning streak on the line against the Cypress Chargers (17-5, 6-2) in a critical Orange Empire Conference game on Friday night.

Over their last three games prior to Friday, the Dons averaged 81.3 points per game, increasing their season average to 68 and showing their offensive potential.

But a stiff Cypress defense held Santa Ana to just 70 on the night as the Dons fell to the Chargers by a score of 78-70.

It was a back and forth game all night, with both teams going on runs which led to six ties and six lead changes.

With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Santa Ana took its largest lead after Brianna Aluva knocked down a jumper to give the Dons a 64-61 advantage. The Chargers then responded with an 8-0 run to take the lead back for good with just 1:25 remaining in the game.

SAC made a couple of shots to keep the game close but Cypress closed the game with clutch free throws down the stretch to snap the Dons' winning streak.

Aluva finished with a team high 16 points and six rebounds on 6-14 shooting while Danielle Pryor and Cheryl Caldera added 12 apiece.

Nicole Robles, Lexi Ross and Sunshine Townson also chipped in as they combined for 24 points off the bench.

Santa Ana drops to 11-13, 5-5 overall and fifth place in the OEC standings with the loss.

UP NEXT: The Dons will take on the No. 6 ranked Irvine Valley Lasers on the road on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. IVC took the first game between the two by a score of 89-63.