In what is starting to become a nearly every game occurrence, the Irvine Valley women's basketball team crushed another opponent Wednesday night.
Irvine Valley, ranked No. 9 in the state and fourth in Southern California, started fast and never looked back, beating San Bernardino Valley, 85-50, at home.
It was Irvine Valley's ninth win this season by 20 or more points and sixth by 30 points or more.
The victory was also special in that it was the 400th at Irvine Valley for coach Julie Hanks.
In her 23rd season guiding the IVC program, Hanks improved her career record with the Lasers to 400-223.
IVC had three players score in double figures. Freshman forward Kaitlyn Luu had 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals, sophomore guard Anai Washington ended with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four steals and freshman guard Morgan Higgins added 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Freshman guard Samantha Uehara added eight points off the bench and freshman forward Alara Ersu chipped in six points and five rebounds for the Lasers, who improved their record to 11-1 overall.
San Bernardino (4-7) was paced by Destiny Alexander, who finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Irvine Valley led, 22-14, after the first quarter, but blew the game open in the second quarter.
The Lasers held the Wolverines to just nine points and took a 40-23 lead into halftime.
IVC then proceeded to out-score San Bernardino Valley, 45-17, in the second half.
Irvine Valley did a nice job of sharing the ball with 25 assists on its 33 made baskets. The Lasers also came up with 20 steals in the contest.
The Lasers now get a nice break from game action as they prepare for a tournament right after Christmas and then the start of Orange Empire Conference action.
IVC doesn't play again until Saturday, Dec. 28 when it takes on host Ventura in the VC-Optimist Holiday Classic. Ventura with a 9-0 record was ranked No. 1 in the state in this week's coaches poll.
The Lasers, who have won two straight OEC titles, start conference on Jan. 8, hosting Golden West at 5 p.m.
