The Irvine Valley men's basketball team played its best game of the season by far on Wednesday night at home.
The Lasers defended, hustled all over the court and executed on the offensive end in beating Southwestern, 73-48, at home.
Irvine Valley improved its record to 4-2 overall, while Southwestern went to 3-2.
IVC out-scored the Jaguars, 30-19, in the first half and, 43-29, over the final 20 minutes.
Irvine Valley was at its best on the defensive end, holding Southwestern to just 27.7 percent shooting from the field. The Jaquars made just 13 field goals in the contest and went 2 of 16 from three-point range.
Irvine Valley also out-rebounded Southwestern, 43-35, and won the turnover battle, by five (20-15).
On the offensive end, IVC shot 42.4 percent (28 of 66 from the field) and had 18 assists on those 28 made field goals.
The Lasers also knocked down 10 of 13 free throw attempts.
Irvine Valley led by as many as 27 points close to the end of the game.
IVC got several standout performances in the contest.
Sophomore forward Josiah Reed had a big game with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He made 5 of 11 shots and also added three assists.
Freshman forward Matt Mowers chipped in 10 points, six rebounds and four assists and sophomore forward Ethan Tauber contributed nine points, three rebounds and three steals in the victory.
Freshman guard Parker Tuttle ended with nine points (three three-pointers), three rebounds and three steals, sophomore guard Ammon Allan also had seven points, four rebounds and five assists and freshman guard Yanis Aldeguer finished with seven points and three assists for the Lasers.
Irvine Valley is back in action on Friday, traveling down to San Diego go take on Cuyamaca at 5 p.m.
