Free throws can make a big difference in any basketball game, and the success a team has in that game.

During their recent losses to Chaffey and Mt. San Jacinto, the San Bernardino Valley College men's basketball team were outshot by wide margins at the charity stripe (Chaffey outscored SBVC 31-5, MSJC 43-30). 

Saturday, the Wolverines finally took advantage, outscoring Palo Verde 19-6 from the free throw line en route to a 71-65 victory in Inland Empire Athletic Conference play.

SBVC fell behind 6-0 to start the game, but led by as many as 12 late in the first half, but only held a 10-point lead at the break. The Wolverines opened the second half with a dunk by Chine Nwanevu to extend the lead back to 12, but they couldn't extend their lead past that number. Palo Verde closed within four points with eight seconds remaining, but Jason Lee made two free throws to put the game away.

Malachi Owens led all scorers with 23 points, while Lee added 13 points and seven assists. Jeremiah Whitmore had 11 points off the bench to help the Wolverines, who have one game remaining in the regular season.

Palo Verde had three players in double figures, with Jacorey Foster leading the way with 20 points, Kamari Jackson with 19, and Jaylen Ayala with 13.