LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne men's basketball team battled in a competitive matchup against Lewis and Clark College, ultimately losing 79-75.

Kason White and James Christian led the Leopards in scoring each with 16 points. Higgy Katoa served as the team's primary facilitator, finishing with 11 points and a team-high five assists to go along with two rebounds. Carlos Bedolla also added eight points, three rebounds, and two assists.

The Leopards were the better team in the first half outscoring the Pioneers by four. A big reason for this came from the Leos bench. They outscored Lewis and Clark's bench 24-0, providing a clear advantage. La Verne was also able to get out in transition, scoring 10 fast break points to the Pioneers' two.

The second half was a different story. Lewis and Clark were able to flip the script, outsourcing La Verne by eight in both points in the paint, and points off turnovers. They also held the Leopards to zero fast break points in the period. A 14-1 run by the Pioneers in the final four minutes helped propel them to a 79-75 victory.

Up next, the Leopards will return to The Tents to take on Linfield University on Tuesday night with tip off set for 6 p.m.