Orange Coast’s Bad Start Helps Irvine Valley Win

Irvine Valley, helped by Orange Coast’s horrible start, beat the Pirates, 79-62, in an Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday at Irvine Valley.

Orange Coast was hampered by the loss of starting guard Adrian Reyes, who is averaging 19 points and coming off a 39-point performance. He missed Wednesday’s game because of a hamstring injury.

Without Reyes, Orange Coast’s offense made only two of its first 19 shots. The Pirates finished seven of 30 in the first half and 23 of 67 (34%) in the game.

Orange Coast was down, 33-19, at the half, but used its press well midway in the second half to rally. David Downs made one of two free throws to cut Irvine Valley’s lead to 64-57, with 6 minutes 48 seconds left, but the Pirates got no closer.

One reason was reserve point guard Lupe Rodriguez, who had four points and three assists and provided stability when the Pirates increased their defensive pressure.

“I think it was Lupe’s turn,” Irvine Valley Coach Jerry Rodriguez said. “We’re very fortunate to have such depth.”

Irvine Valley also got a strong performance from guard J.C. Timmons, who scored 16 points and limited the Pirates’ Duane Curtis to two points. Curtis had been averaging 20.

Downs had 23 points, 19 in the second half, for Orange Coast (9-10, 0-3) and forward Brandon Hearvey had 20 for Irvine Valley (16-5, 3-0), which remained in a first-place tie.