The Irvine Valley men's basketball team evened its record in the Orange Empire Conference with a big win at district rival Saddleback Wednesday night.
Irvine Valley, ranked No. 28 in the state, improved its record to 10-5 overall and 2-2 in conference.
The Lasers made key plays down the stretch to beat the Bobcats.
IVC trailed late but closed with a big bucket by sophomore guard Luc Krystkowiak at the basket, stops at the other end and IVC made free throws down the stretch.
Krystkowiak led Irvine Valley with 18 points and nine rebounds on the night.
He was one of four Laser players to score in double figures. Sophomore wing Aaron Strings stood out on both end of the floor and finished with 15 points, including four three-pointers and four rebounds.
And freshman guards Gavin O'Neill stepped up with 12 points on four three-pointers and Tyson Robinson contributed 11 points with three, three-pointers, to go along with five assists and two steals.
Eight Laser players scored in the game. Freshman forward Charlie Henderson chipped in eight points and six rebounds and sophomore guard JT Robinson added five points.
IVC shot 53.8 percent from the field (28 of 52) from the floor in the game and 47.8 percent (11 of 23) from three-point range.
Irvine Valley is back at it on Friday, hosting one of the top teams in the state.
No. 28 in the state Irvine Valley hosts No. 4 Santiago Canyon at 6 p.m.
Fans are not allowed per district policy, but the game will be live streamed at (20+) Irvine Valley College Athletics | Facebook
