After holding on for a win last Friday night against Santa Ana at home, the Irvine Valley men's basketball team couldn't do the same at Cypress on Wednesday night in an Orange Empire Conference battle.
Cypress earned its first conference win of the season with a 75-72 victory over the Lasers.
Irvine Valley's record slipped to 13-9 overall and 2-3 in conference, while Cypress improved to 7-12 overall and 1-3 in conference.
Mike Magee led the way for Cypress with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Kyle Small added a season-high 12 points on four 3-pointers to go along with five assists on the night.
Laser freshman forward Jake Linsky and freshman guard Daniel Chatman each scored 18 points to lead Irvine Valley. Sophomore guard Daniel Hernandez added 14 points for IVC.
IVC jumped out to a 15-4 lead.
Cypress answered with an 11-0 run to tie the game at 15-15.
Irvine Valley ended the half with a 6-0 run to take a 39-35 lead into the break.
It was the first time the Chargers trailed at the half in a conference game this season.
It was a battle in the second half, as both teams continued trading baskets.
Small, who hit three of his four 3-pointers in the second half, gave Cypress the lead at the seven-minute mark.
Magee took over the game down the stretch, scoring 11 of Cypress' final 13 points, while going 7 of 7 at the line to seal the victory for the Chargers.
Irvine Valley was looking to move into a tie for second-place with the win.
The Lasers have a bye on Friday and host Riverside next Wednesday at home at 5 p.m.
