Irvine Valley's men's basketball team saw ots record goes to 1-1 on the season after a 71-63 loss to Cerritos in its opening game of the 29th Annual Irvine Valley College Classic on Thursday.
The Lasers got off to a great start, leading, 6-0, off the bat after two free throws by sophomore post player Matt Mowers.
But Cerritos out-scored IVC, 30-19, the rest of the half to take a 30-25 lead into the break.
Irvine Valley tied the game midway through the second half at 42-42 on a layup by sophomore guard Yanis Aldeguer and then took a 44-42 lead with 10:36 remaining on a basket by freshman wing Ahmad Ahammouri.
The Lasers made it 46-42 on two free throws by Ahammouri.
But a three-pointer put Cerritos ahead, 47-46, with 8:24 and Mack made two free throws for a 49-47 advantage.
The Falcons never looked back.
IVC got within 53-51 on a free throw by freshman guard Santos Cordero with 6:02 to play.
Cerritos out-scored IVC, 18-12, the rest of the way and led by as many as 11 points before winning by eight.
Irvine Valley was led by Alhammouri with 20 points. Aldeguer finished with 14 points and Mowers had nine points,five rebounds and five assists.
IVC shot just 38.3 percent (18 of 47) as a team for the game.
Eijah Gelin had 18 points and three steals and Mack finished with 15 points.
Irvine Valley takes on Canyons in a consolation game on Friday at 4 p.m. Cerritos will play Ventura in the championship game on Friday at 6 p.m.
