LAS VEGAS, NV — Dahmaj Warren and Paul Antonis finished in double figures, and the Leopards were even with Husson University 45-45 at halftime Thursday afternoon.

But the Eagles surged in the second half to defeat the University of La Verne men's basketball team 96-75 in the Leopards' first game of the D3 Hoops Classic.

Warren finished with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal. Antonis scored 14 points with three rebounds. 

Logen Howard and Austin Nassar each scored nine points.

Jeremy Moronta led Husson with 24 points. 

The game remained close during the opening 20 minutes. Antonis sank a three at the buzzer to tie the game 45-45 heading into the break.

The Eagles responded early in the second half, opening the period on a 14-3 run to take a 59-48 advantage.

The Leopards closed the gap to six points following a Warren three-pointer but couldn't get any closer.

La Verne moves to 3-5 overall, and Husson improves to 10-1.

The Leopards return to action Saturday at 1 p.m. against Rhodes for their final game of the D3 Hoops Classic.