Men's basketball team holds off Golden West at home

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

The Irvine Valley men's basketball team bounced back from a tough loss to No. 2 in the state Fullerton on Wednesday with a 67-56 Orange Empire Conference win over Golden West at home on Friday night.

The Lasers, ranked No. 20 in the state, improved their record to 11-6 overall and 3-3 in conference.

Sophomore guard Aaron Strings continued his solid play on both ends of the court to lead the Lasers.

Strings ended with 18 points, making 7 of 14 shots from the field and 4 of 8 from three-point range. He added three rebounds and two blocks.

Strings was one of three players to score in double figures for IVC.

Freshman guard Gavin O'Neill added 11 points, four rebounds and three steals and freshman forward Charlie Henderson chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds for IVC.

Sophomore wing Luc Krystkowiak contributed eight points, eight rebounds and four assists and sophomore forward Josh Walker had eight points and eight rebounds.

Irvine Valley led, 32-28, at the half and took its largest lead of 13 points in the final minute of the game.

Golden West (5-13, 0-7) was paced by Eric Watson, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds.

Irvine Valley plays again on Monday, hosting Cypress at 4 p.m.