WHITTIER, CA — The University of La Verne men's basketball team rallied from a 19-point second-half deficit to get to within four points of the Poets with just under five minutes to play. But they couldn't close the gap, falling to Whittier 83-73 Wednesday night.

Four Leopards finished the game in double figures. Dahmaj Warren scored a game-high 26 points, just two shy of his career high, with six rebounds, two steals, and a block.

Logen Howard knocked down three three-pointers en route to 14 points to fo with his two rebounds, one steal, and one assist. 

Carlos Bedolla shot 6-10 from the field to finish with 13 points. The sophomore also grabbed four boards. Darien Guyton scored 10 points and led the Leopards with seven rebounds.

After falling behind big early in the second half, the Leopards went on a 31-14 run to cut the Poets' lead to 72-68 with 4:57 left to play falling a Warren three-pointer. With just 2:19 remaining, Brad Yasukochi again put the Leopards within four when he laid in a shot. 

But the Leopards couldn't slow Whittier anymore and ran out of time, falling on the road.

La Verne moves to 4-6 overall and 1-1 in the SCIAC. Whittier improves to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

The Leopards return home on Saturday when they host Occidental College at 2 p.m.