SAC Edges Irvine Valley 78-76 in Two Overtimes
The Dons had chances to end the game at regulation and in the first overtime before finally ending it in the second overtime.
SANTA ANA – It took two overtimes but the Dons moved above .500 in Orange Empire Conference play with their 78-76 victory over visiting Irvine Valley College. With the win, the Dons are now 11-9 overall and 3-2 in conference while Irvine Valley falls to 10-10 overall and 3-2 in conference.
The Lasers took a two-point lead late in regulation on a Chris Salas three-pointer before Du'Juan Williams with a layup with 17 seconds left to tie the game at 63-63. After Irvine Valley missed a three-pointer, the Dons got one last attempt at a game-winner but were unable to convert, sending the game to overtime.
The first overtime opened with the teams trading baskets before Williams hit a three to put SAC up 68-67. Williams would add a layup to put the Dons up three, but Irvine Valley found the equalizer on Jimmy Golden's three-pointer with 12 seconds left. The Dons, again, had a chance to break the tie, but were unable to convert for a second time, sending the game to a second overtime.
The Dons seemed to take control of the second extra frame with Williams hitting a three before Justin Bryan made a layup to put the Dons up 75-70. IVC would get an Andrew Bastien layup to cut the lead to three, but Ramez Michail hit a layup of his own to put the Dons back up by five.
The next four points went to the Lasers as they pulled within one at 77-76 before Chris Kapano hit one-of-two free throws to put the Dons up 78-76 with 11 seconds remaining. The Lasers were unable to get a final shot attempt off as the Dons held on for the win.
Williams finished with a game-high 19 points while Bryan added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Michail was next with 12 points and Kyle Kintzleadded another 10 points. The Lasers were led by Bastien with 15 points followed by Chris Salas with 13 points. A trio of Lasers, Golden, Ronnie Harris and Craig Magyar, turned in 10-point performances.