In just a few hours games will be played within the Orange Empire Conference kicking off what promises to be a competitive 2016 basketball season. 

During the non-conference portion of the 15-16 season four OEC teams brought home tournament trophies, kept their overall winning percentage over .750, and were ranked in the top 15 in Southern California. 

On top of them all sits Saddleback College as the #1 team in the state with an impressive 15-1 record. Last season's state champions will open conference-play on Friday, January 8th against Riverside City College at home. The Tigers are an even 8-8 on the season and will be a dangerous team on the court.

The Cypress College Chargers are making their mark this season with a 13-3 record. Second year coach Andrew Alhadeff has the team firing on all cylinders with the team being ranked 19th in the state and 10th in SoCal. The Chargers will look to keep the w's rolling when they play at Orange Coast tonight.  The Pirates are slightly under .500 at 6-8.

Fullerton College is back on the map thanks to new head coach Perry Webster guiding the re-built team to a 12-4 record. The Hornets are currently ranked 13th in the state and 7th in the south. FC opens up on the road tonight at Irvine Valley College who also boasts a 12-4 record. The Lasers are ranked 12th in Southern California.

Santa Ana College sits at 3-11 overall and will play at Riverside City College tonight.