Irvine Valley's women's basketball team dropped its second straight game in Orange Empire Conference play, falling to Fullerton, 59-50, at home on Wednesday night.
Irvine Valley saw its record slip to 9-10 overall and 1-2 in conference, while Fullerton improved to 9-10 overall and 1-2 in conference.
The Lasers led, 30-25, at the half after out-scoring Fullerton, 17-11, in the second quarter.
But the Hornets went on a 13-3 run over the first seven-plus minutes of the third quarter to take the lead.
A three-pointer by Juanita Nolosco gave Fullerton a 38-33 lead with 2:43 left in the quarter.
IVC battled back by scoring the final four points of the quarter. Sophomore guard Aaleah Brown made a jumper and sophomore forward Kydell Pearson sank two free throws to bring IVC within 38-37 going into the final period.
But Fullerton scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to take control. Three straight baskets by Monica Hanna and a jumper by Tristian Johns pushed Fullerton's advantage to 46-37 with 6:46 left in the game.
Irvine Valley went on a run of its own, out-scoring Fullerton, 10-2, and pulled within 48-47 after a layup by Brown and a basket by freshman forward Kiara Warren with 4:13 to go.
Johns answered with a layup and a three-pointer to lift Fullerton's lead to 53-47 with 3:09 left.
Irvine Valley didn't get closer than four points the rest of the way.
IVC shot just 26.8 percent (19 of 71) from the field as a team in the game. The Lasers were 3 of 16 on three-pointers.
Irvine Valley out-rebounded Fullerton, 53-43. Included in that number was 23 offensive rebounds for the Lasers. But IVC converted for just nine second-chance points.
Brown led the way with 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals. She was the only IVC player in double figures scoring.
Warren had eight points and five rebounds, Saba finished with seven points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals and freshman forward Taylor Hall had six points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals for the Lasers.
Fullerton shot 36.4 percent (24 of 66) as a team and was paced by Johns with 16 points and eight rebounds. Hanna contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks and Melody Thomsen had 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals for the Hornets.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday night, traveling to Cypress for a 5 p.m. conference game.
