Irvine Valley's men's basketball team was looking for its fifth straight win to open the 2023-24 season.
And the Lasers had their chances late. Irvine Valley, which trailed by seven points at halftime and by as many as 15 points in the second half, tied the game late and even took a lead.
But it wasn't enough as Southwestern out-scored IVC 10-2 over the final three minutes and earned a 54-48 victory.
Irvine Valley's record went to 4-1 overall, while Southwestern improved to 2-2.
The Lasers went on a late run to make things interesting.
IVC pulled within 44-40 on a three-pointer by sophomore forward Jesse Stines with 4:50 to play.
A layup by sophomore guard Roman Swizek pulled the Lasers within two points with 4:35 left.
And Irvine Valley tied the game at 44 on two free throws by sophomore guard David Ogunlade with 3:56 left on the clock.
After a Southwestern miss, freshman guard Ammon Allan put IVC in front with a basket inside.
Irvine Valley led, 46-44, with 3:29 to play.
But Southwestern tied the game on two free throws at the three-minute mark.
The Lasers got within two and scored their final points of the game on a basket inside by Allan to cut the lead to 50-48 with 46.6 seconds to go.
But Irvine Valley had to start fouling and the Jaguars knocked down four free throws to end the game.
Allan led the way for the Lasers with 13 points.
Swizek added nine points, Stines had eight points and Ogunlade contributed seven points for IVC.
Irvine Valley plays again next Thursday when it makes its annual trip to the Monterey Bay Classic. The Lasers play Chabot in the opening round on Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.
