After a back and forth game Friday night against Cuyamaca at home, Irvine Valley's men's basketball team finished strong in a 64-54 win.
The victory improved Irvine Valley's record to 5-2 overall, while Cuyamaca went to 4-3.
Irvine Valley led, 29-26, at the half after going on a 13-5 run to close out the first 20 minutes.
Sophomore guard Nate Tuttle made a layup with 21 seconds left to give IVC the three-point cushion.
And the Lasers started the second half on a 11-4 run and went ahead, 40-30, on a layup by freshman guard Santos Cordero.
The Coyotes didn't give in and got within a poin at 47-46 with 7:34 remaining in the contest.
But Irvine Valley put its foot back on the gas and closed out the game on a 17-7 streak.
Three players scored in double figures for the Lasers.
Sophomore post player Matt Mowers ended with 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting and added six rebounds.
Sophomore guard Sam Meza-Tallada added 13 points, making both of his three-pointers.
And Cordero had 10 points. He made all six of his free thows and also had two steals.
IVC shot 41.2 percent (21 of 51) from the field and out-rebounded Cuyamaca, 39-31.
Jordan Whitfield led Cuyamaca with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Irvine Valley plays again next Tuesday at College of the Desert at 6 p.m.
