The Irvine Valley men's basketball team gave Fullerton, the top-ranked squad in the state all it could handle in the first half Wednesday night in an Orange Empire Conference game on the road.
But the Lasers lost to the Hornets, 73-57, in another tough defeat.
Irvine Valley's record went to 4-13 overall and 0-5 in conference. Fullerton improved to 17-1 overall and 6-0 in conference.
IVC led early and was only down just, 35-32, at the half, but the Hornets pulled away early in the second half.
Fullerton took a 10-point lead (52-42) eight minutes into the half on two free throws by Jeremiah Davis. A three-pointer by Kobe Newton pushed Fullerton's lead to 73-55 with two minutes to play.
Freshman guard Roman Swizek led Irvine Valley with 14 points. Freshman point guard Christian Griffin added 10 points and five assists and freshman forward Jordan Montrose had 10 points and three blocks.
Sophomore post player Charlie Henderson chipped in nine points and nine rebounds for the Lasers.
Davis led three Fullerton players in double figures with 17 points.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday, hosting Santiago Canyon at 7 p.m.
