Irvine Valley's men's basketball team didn't play its best game of the season, but the Lasers found a way to win in the end, defeating San Diego Miramar, 56-51, on Saturday night at home.
IVC shot just 18.2 percent (4 of 22) from the field as a team in the first half and trailed, 22-17, at the break.
But Irvine Valley turned things around in the second half, making 12 baskets (12 of 26) to come back for the win.
The Lasers out-scored the Jets, 39-29, in the second half to improve their record to 9-3 overall.
IVC had three players score in double figures in the win. Sophomore post player Matt Mowers led with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Freshman guard Ahmad Alhammouri ended with 11 points and seven rebounds and sophomore forward Garrett Trayer had 10 points, three rebounds and two assists for the Lasers.
Irvine Valley scored the first nine points of the second half and took the lead for good at 24-22 on a steal and layup by sophomore point guard Ethan Hunt with 17:11 to play.
A layup by Alhammouri with 16:11 left made it a 26-22 lead and Irvine Valley took a 37-27 advantage with 11:53 remaining after two free throws by Mowers.
Miramar pulled within 52-49 with just under a minute to play, but the Lasers made four straight free throws down the stretch to earn the victory.
IVC plays at Mt. SAC next Friday at 6 p.m.
