IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a low-possession, defensively grinding men’s junior college basketball game Saturday, Irvine Valley held off a late charge from San Diego Miramar to secure a 56-51 victory at home.

The Lasers improved to 8-3 overall, while the Jets fell to 4-6.

The game’s defining characteristic was offensive struggle, with both teams combining to shoot just 8 of 39 from the floor. San Diego Miramar finished at 22.7% on 5-of-22 shooting, while Irvine Valley managed only 17.6% on 3-of-17. The scoring was largely generated from the free-throw line, where Irvine Valley went 7 for 8 and San Diego Miramar was 12 for 18.

The most important sequence of the game occurred in the final minute of the second quarter, transforming a one-possession contest into the final margin. With San Diego Miramar trailing 54-51, the Jets’ Christian Washington was fouled on a drive and sank two free throws with seven seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to a single point.

On the ensuing inbounds play, Irvine Valley’s Santos Cordero was fouled and calmly made both free throws, pushing the lead back to three points with 11 seconds left. After a San Diego Miramar timeout, the Jets’ final attempt to force overtime was a missed 3-point shot by Jaden Merritt as time expired.

San Diego Miramar had started strongly, building a 22-17 lead after the first quarter behind six points from Ah-Zion Applewhaite. The Jets maintained that narrow edge for much of the contest, but Irvine Valley’s ability to draw fouls and convert at the line proved decisive down the stretch. The Lasers attempted only 17 field goals but earned 21 possessions, capitalizing by making 17 free throws.

Christian Washington led San Diego Miramar with eight points. For Irvine Valley, Ahmad Alhammouri contributed seven points and five rebounds in 13 minutes, while Garrett Trayer added five points.

The game was part of the California community college athletic schedule. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Irvine Valley entered with a 70.5% probability to win.

San Diego Miramar next plays at home against Cuyamaca on Wednesday. Irvine Valley travels to face Mount San Antonio on Friday.