The Irvine Valley women's basketball team battled and had a lead in the fourth quarter, but came up short against Mt. SAC, falling, 45-41, on Saturday night in the championship game of the Los Angeles Valley College Buddy's All-Star Classic on Saturday night.
The tournament featured many of the top teams in Southern California, including five teams that were ranked in the SoCal region coaches poll.
IVC, ranked No. 7, defeated No. 10 Trade-Tech and No. 12 and host LA Valley to begin the tourney. But the Lasers couldn't get past No. 3 Mt. SAC. No. 5 Ventura was also in the event.
Irvine Valley got out to a fast start and led, 19-15, after the first quarter. But the Lasers, who were down two players due to health and safety protocols, were down, 27-22, at the half after scoring just three points in the second quarter.
IVC rebounded in the third quarter, holding the Mounties to just five points in the period. Irvine Valley led, 36-32, heading into the fourth quarter.
But Mt. SAC outscored IVC, 13-5, in the fourth to earn the victory.
Irvine Valley had its seven-game win streak snapped and saw its record go to 9-2 overall. Mt. SAC improved its record to 11-3 overall.
The Lasers shot just 21.1 percent (12 of 57) from the field and 1 of 12 (8.3 percent) from three-point range. IVC didn't help itself by missing 12 free throws (16 of 28).
But IVC also played tough defense, helping cause 39 turnovers by Mt. SAC and limiting the Mounties to their second fewest points in a game this year.
Sophomore guard Jessica Suruor led Irvine Valley with 11 points and four steals. Sophomore Morgan Higgins had nine points, five rebounds and six steals and freshman guard Kennedy Pucci, sophomore guard Katie Nguyen and freshman forward Giselle Martinez each contributed five points. Nguyen also had six rebounds and four steals and freshman post player Paea Tafea chipped in 10 rebounds.
Suruor and Higgins were each named to the all-tournament team for their efforts.
Irvine Valley will get a break, regroup and then take on No. 2 Palomar at home on Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Fans are welcome with social distancing. Masks are required.
