The Irvine Valley men's basketball team had its chances to put its game away against Santa Ana Wednesday night at home.
The Lasers led by seven points late in the first half and was up as many as five points in the second half, especially late.
But Santa Ana out-scored Irvine Valley, 18-8, over the final 5:31 of the game and went on to a 73-68 victory over the Lasers in an Orange Empire Conference contest.
It was a key game for both squads. They went into the game tied for fourth place in the conference standings.
Santa Ana improved its record to 15-8 overall and 5-5 in the OEC. Irvine Valley went to 12-11 and 4 in 6 in conference with four games to play and then the conference championship tournament.
The game was tied, 33-33, at the half and Irvine Valley led, 60-55, on a basket by freshman forward Matt Mowers with 5:31 left to play.
IVC was even up, 63-59, with 3:32 to go afterr a three-pointer by freshman guard Allen Moser.
Santa Ana didn't back down. The Dons scored the next seven points and took a 66-63 advantage with 2:25 to play on a layup by Kamaury Washington.
IVC scored just five points the rest of the way.
Santa Ana ended up shooting 49.0 percent (25 of 51) for the game, while IVC shot 44.2 percent (23 of 52).
The Dons also went 21 of 27 from the line and out-rebounded the Lasers, 34-26.
Irvine Valley was paced by Moser with 22 points. Mowers finished with 15 points and sophomore guard Ammon Allan had 11 points and five rebounds.
Santa Ana had five players in double figures scoring with Mac West scoring 14 points, Washington finishing with 13 points, Jackson Brennan with 12 points and Camron Swist and Jaitice Hayes each ending with 11 points.
Kelvonte Ellis chipped in 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals for the Dons.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday at league-leading Santiago Canyon at 6 p.m.