Irvine Valley's women's basketball team never gave in Thursday night at Riverside.
In the final game of the 2016-17 season, the Lasers fell behind by as many as 19 points. They battled back to make it a game late before losing, 87-82.
Riverside (19-10, 6-6) built a 39-20 lead with 5:35 left in the second quarter before settling for a 45-34 halftime lead.
Down the stretch, Irvine Valley freshman guard Serena Saba fueled the near comeback as she pumped in 15 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter. The Lasers (11-17, 3-9) crept to within 83-80 with 1:40 left.
But the Lasers couldn't get any closer.
Chiderah Uzowuru made free throws in the last 52 seconds to ice the win for RCC.
Saba also added six assists. Freshman guard Elizabeth Garcia had 14 points and eight assists before fouling out and sophomore forward Kydell Pearson finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and five blocks before fouling out for IVC.
Britney Gonzalez tossed in a team-high 23 points on 9 of 15 shooting, including five three-point baskets for Riverside. Paradise Hanchett added 22 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Uzowuru chipped in with 18 points.
