(Walnut, CA) After a seven-game winning streak to start the season was snapped earlier this week, the Mt. SAC Men's Basketball team rebounded nicely with a 78-68 win over visiting Irvine Valley College in a nonconference game on Friday, December 8. With the win, Mt. SAC improves to 8-1 overall.

Another big game by sophomore guard Nick Hopkins, scoring a game-high 26 points, led the Mounties to victory. Hopkins shot a sizzling 7 for 10 (70%) from the field, sank 12 free throws from the charity stripe, grabbed eight rebounds, and made three steals.

Mt. SAC sophomore guard CJ Fisher (5-6 FTM-A, 5 RB, 2 A, 2 Stls., 1 Blk) added 12 points, with nine points contributed by sophomore guard Mikah Gardner (4-8 FGM-A, 8 RB, 1 Blk.). Michael Ejumeta (4-4 FTM-A, 6 RB) and Elijah Cirilo (3-4 FGM-A, 2 RB, 2 A, 1 Stl.) scored six points each for the Mounties.

As a team, the Mounties were 28 of 38 (73.7%) from the free-throw line and secured 40 boards (13 O, 26 D). After a close first half with the Mounties leading 31-30, they opened the second half with a 10-4 run, led by Gardner's seven points in that stretch.

IVC took a 60-58 lead with 6:04 left in the game, but the Mounties responded with another significant run, outscoring the Lasers 15-1, resulting in a 73-61 lead with 2:58 left. Fisher and Cirilo each scored six points in that crucial late-game stretch, securing the lead and eventual win for the Mounties.

Mt. SAC is home again with another nonconference game on Tuesday, December 12, against Riverside City College. Tip-off is at 5:00 pm. The Mounties will take a Christmas break, followed by a tournament at the College of the Canyons (Dec. 28-29).

Follow Mt. SAC Men's Basketball on Twitter @MtSAC_MBKB or Instagram /mt.sacbasketball/

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.