After stumbling last Friday at Santa Ana, Irvine Valley's men's basketball team got back to its winning ways Wednesday night at home.
Irvine Valley, ranked No. 9 in the state, led from start to finish in a tough, physical game and held off Fullerton, 88-76, in Orange Empire Conference action.
The win lifted Irvine Valley's record to 19-2 overall and 4-1 in conference.
Fullerton fell to 5-14 overall and 1-3 in conference.
Irvine Valley got impressive games from sophomore guard Shaquille Hunter (23 points) and freshman guard/forward Jimmy Golden (17 points).
But a big difference in the game was the effort by Irvine Valley's bench.
Laser reserves out-scored Fullerton's bench, 30-9. Keying that IVC bench play were sophomore forward Austin Priest, who had 12 points and five rebounds, and freshman point guard Ronnie Harris, who finished with nine points.
Irvine Valley led, 48-39, at the half and did enough in the second half to earn the victory.
The Lasers shot it well in the first half, going 19 of 30 from the field (63.3 percent). And Irvine Valley ended up shooting 53.8 percent (28 of 52) for the game.
Fullerton shot 39.1 percent (25 of 64) for the contest.
The two teams combined for 51 fouls and 61 free throw attempts in the game. IVC was 26 of 39 from the free throw line, while Fullerton went 21 of 32.
Irvine Valley also got nine points and six rebounds from sophomore center Declan Daly before he fouled out and four points and five assists from freshman point guard Jalen Hall.
Fullerton was paced by Carnell Gray, who had a strong second half to finish with a game-high 26 points. He scored 18 points in the second half - most on drives to the basket.
Joel Brokenbrough added 18 points and eight rebounds and Dakota Allinson finished with 12 points for the Hornets.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday, traveling to Riverside for a 5:30 p.m. game.
