The Irvine Valley men's basketball team's second game in the Orange Empire Conference gainst Saddleback was a lot different than the first.
Irvine Valley pulled out a 67-65 win over the Bobcats on the road Jan. 9.
But on Wednesday night at home, the Lasers couldn't get much going at all.
Saddleback jumped out to an early lead, was up, 34-21, at halftime and went on to a 73-54 lead over IVC.
The win lifted Saddleback's record to 12-11 overall and 3-6 in conference play, while Irvine Valley went to 13-10 overall and 3-6 in the OEC.
It was the Lasers' fourth straight defeat.
IVC shot just 31.0 percent (18 of 58) from the field in the game and made just 2 of 9 three-pointers (10.5 percent). The Lasers also hurt themselves by committing 22 fouls.
Saddleback went 26 of 58 (44.8 percent) from the field and out-rebounded the Lasers, 46-36.
Irvine Valley had two players score in double figures. Freshman guard Ahmad Alhammouri, who was in early foul trouble, finished with 11 points and sophomore post player Matt Mowers had 10 points and eight rebounds.
Saddleback was paced by Malachi Hiers with 16 points and eight rebounds and Mark Reichner, who came off the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Lasers play next at Santiago Canyon on Friday at 6 p.m.
