MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a chaotic start and a frantic finish, the Irvine Valley Lasers edged the Saddleback Bobcats 67-65 in a men’s junior college basketball game Friday night.

The contest’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final seconds, capping a remarkable comeback attempt by the home team. Trailing by two points with three seconds remaining, Irvine Valley’s Santos Cordero calmly sank two free throws to seal the victory after being fouled. Those shots were the final points in a game where the Lasers built a massive early lead only to see it evaporate completely in the second quarter.

The opening quarter was dominated by Irvine Valley, which raced to a 31-26 lead. The Lasers’ defense was stifling early, forcing Saddleback into turnovers and poor shots. However, the second quarter told a different story. Saddleback’s offense found its rhythm, outscoring Irvine Valley 39-36 in the period. Led by Michael Bichel, who finished with 19 points and eight rebounds, and Christopher Williams, who added 16 points and five assists, the Bobcats methodically chipped away at the deficit.

Saddleback’s Charlie Stallings completed the comeback with a layup with 57 seconds left, giving the Bobcats a 63-61 lead, their first advantage since the game’s opening minute. Williams then extended the lead to 65-61 with another layup with just six seconds on the clock. But the Lasers, who improved to 11-4 overall, had the final answer. After a quick inbound play, Cordero was fouled on a jump shot attempt and made both free throws for the win.

The game was a statistical oddity, with both teams struggling from the field. Irvine Valley shot 41.7%, making 20 of 48 attempts, while Saddleback was worse at 36.7% on 18-of-49 shooting. The difference came at the free-throw line, where the Lasers were efficient, making 20 of 25. Saddleback attempted more free throws, 36, but made only 24, a 66.7% rate that proved costly in the two-point loss.

Irvine Valley’s Matt Mowers led his team with 13 points. The Lasers’ victory came despite committing 13 turnovers and 26 personal fouls. Saddleback, which fell to 9-7, won the turnover battle (12 to 13) and out-blocked Irvine Valley 3 to 1, but could not overcome its poor shooting night.

The result defied pregame projections, as Interstat’s ELO system had given Saddleback a 70.7% probability to win. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Feb. 4 at Irvine Valley.

Irvine Valley will host Santiago Canyon on Wednesday. Saddleback will host Riverside the same night.