The Irvine Valley men's basketball team kept it close with the top-ranked team in the state early in its Orange Empire Conference game with Fullerton Wednesday night at home.
But the well-balanced Hornets pulled away for a 78-51 victory.
Fullerton improved its record to 25-1 overall and 14-0 in conference play. The Lasers fell to 4-21 overall and 0-13 in conference.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday at Santiago Canyon at 6 p.m.
Irvine Valley was right with Fullerton early on. The Lasers tied the game at 7 on a three-pointer by freshman guard David Ogulande off an assist by sophomore post player Charlie Henderson with 14:37 left in the first half.
But Fullerton shut down IVC's offense the rest of the half. The Hornets went on a 27-5 run to take control and never looked back.
Fullerton led, 41-19, at the half and cruised in the second half for the win.
Irvine Valley was led by Ogunlade with 16 points. Freshman wing Marcus Carter added 12 points.
Fullerton had three players score in double figures and five players with at least eight points.
RJ Banks came off the bench with 19 points and Jeremiah Davis had 16 points for the Hornets.
After Friday night's game at Santiago Canyon, Irvine Valley plays two final games at home to close the regular season.
The Lasers host Golden West on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and then take on Cypress at home on Thursday at 6 p.m.
