IVC Men's basketball team continues to roll, beats Mt. SAC by 21

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team is on a roll.

The Lasers won their sixth straight game and had one of their best performances of the season.

IVC, ranked No. 22 in the state by the men's basketball coaches association, faced off against a Mt. San Antonio team that had a record of 7-3 heading into Friday night's contest at IVC.

The Lasers came out ready, leading, 35-17, at the half before winning, 80-59.

Irvine Valley improved its record to 7-3 overall. The Lasers won three straight games to capture the Monterey Bay Classic last weekend.

Mt. SAC's record slipped to 7-4 overall.

IVC shot 53.8 percent from the field (28 of 52) and out-rebounded Mt. SAC, 43-27.

Irvine Valley started out hot and with a good defensive game plan. The Lasers led, 24-5, after a lay-up by sophomore post player Josh Walker with 7:19 left in the first half.

And the Lasers took their largest lead of the game by 26 points midway through the second half.

Several players stood out.

Sophomore guard Luc Krystkowiak, who was named MVP of the Monterey tourney last week, finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and six steals to lead the way for Irvine Valley.

Sophomore post player Josh Walker had his best game of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds and sophomore guard Aaron Strings had a solid game with 15 points and four assists and playing tough defense all night.

Freshman forward Charlie Henderson added seven points and six rebounds and freshman guard Brian Mendoza was steady with seven points and four steals.

Mt. SAC was led by Shaquil Bender with 26 points. He scored 22 of those in the second half.

Irvine Valley plays again next Tuesday at El Camino at 5 p.m. before starting Orange Empire Conference play at the top-ranked team in the state, Fullerton, next Friday at 5 p.m.

Release by Brent Shaver, Irvine Valley SID