Irvine Valley's men's basketball team outscored Mt. San Antonio in the second half, but a rough first half cost the Lasers in a 61-53 to the Mounties on Friday night at home.
IVC's record went to 3-7 overall, while Mt. SAC improved leveled its record at 5-5.
Irvine Valley trailed, 31-21, at the break.
The Lasers shot just 30 percent (9 of 30) from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
IVC got within 33-32 on a three-pointer by freshman point guard Christian Griffin with 14:58 left in the game.
And the Lasers were within 39-37 on a layup by sophomore post player Charlie Henderson with 12:13 remaining.
Freshman wing Marcus Carter scored to make it a 40-39 game with 11:31 to play.
But the Lasers couldn't get any closer.
Mt. SAC went on a 11-0 run and took a 51-39 lead with 5:19 to go on two free throws by Jay Milner.
IVC pulled within four points (55-51) on a three-pointer by freshman guard Luke Farrington with 56 seconds left, but Mt. SAC made its free throws in the final minute to close out the win.
Henderson finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Lasers. Griffin added 10 points and five assists and Farrington had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Mt. SAC was paced by Nick Hopkins with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Mikah Gardner with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Irvine Valley plays against next Tuesday, hosting El Camino at 7 p.m.
