Men's basketball team opens OEC play at home Wednesday night

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

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team opens Orange Empire Conference play Wednesday night with a home game against Orange Coast at 5 p.m.

Irvine Valley, with a record of 11-6, is ranked No. 15 in Southern California in this week's California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association Poll.

Irvine Valley defeated LA Valley, 62-58, last Friday night at home to finish off its nonconference schedule.

IVC trailed by two points at halftime, but out-scored the Monarchs, 36-30, in the second half for the win.

Sophomore forward Parker Sims led the way with 18 points and 14 rebounds. He made 7 of 10 shots from the field and 4 of 5 free throws. Ten of Sims' 14 rebounds came on the offensive end.

Sophomore guard Daniel Hernandez added 16 points and four assists and freshman guard Kevin Olsen contributed eight points, four rebounds and five assists for the Lasers.

On the season so far, freshman forward Jake Linsky is averaging 13.1 points and 9.5 rebounds, Hernandez is averaging 10.2 points and 2.5 assists, sophomore forward Zane Paddon averages 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds and Sims is averaging 6.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Orange Coast has record of 9-6 overall and has played well.

The Pirates captured the Cougar Holiday Classic at College of the Canyons last week, beating LA Trade Tech, 93-73, in the final.

Joshua Davis had a big game with 33 points and 15 rebounds to lead the way and Kupaa Harrison chipped in 20 points and 11 rebounds for OCC.

The Pirates shot 55.4 percent from the field as a team.

OCC also made the finals of the LA Southwest Tournament and won the Mt. SAC Tournament during the pre-conference portion of its schedule.

On the season, Davis averages 17.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, Lloyd Wright is averaging 16.6 points and 2.1 points, Harrison averages 14.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists and Rachaun Echols is averaging 9.9 points per game for the Pirates.

After tonight's game, Irvine Valley will play next at Saddleback on Friday at 5 p.m.