Men's basketball team downs Mt. San Jacinto in Saddleback tourney

Courtesy of On My Game Photography
Courtesy of On My Game Photography

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team earned its second straight upset win in the Bill Brummel Tournament at Saddleback.

After knocking off San Diego City, which was ranked eighth in the latest state poll, on Thursday, the Lasers downed No. 15 Mt. San Jacinto, 66-57, on Friday.

The two victories moved Irvine Valley into the title game against No. 1 Saddleback on Saturday.

Irvine Valley (8-5) defeated Mt. San Jacinto behind 23 points from freshman forward Lance Coleman II, 10 points from and six rebounds from sophomore forward Zach Harvey and nine points each from sophomore guards Zuri Williams and Jack Taylor.

Williams also added seven rebounds and three steals in the win.

Irvine Valley had a strong defensive effort, limiting Mt. San Jacinto to 31.7 percent shooting (20 of 63) from the field. The Lasers also won the rebounding battle, 42-40.

Mt. San Jacinto's record slipped to 12-6 overall.

Irvine Valley will take on a Saddleback team that has a record of 12-2 overall. The Gauchos defeated MiraCosta, 87-54, to move into Saturday's final.