NEWBERG, OR — James Christian sank a pair of clutch free throws with 12 seconds remaining in the game and the University of La Verne men's basketball team overcame a 16-point second half deficit to beat the George Fox Bruins, 73-72, in dramatic fashion. 

With just over a minute left and the Leopards trailing by three, Percy Whittaker drove down the line, attracted a pair of defenders and dished to wide open Christian in the corner. Christian drained a three to tie the game 70-70. After trading free throws, the Bruins retook the lead with 37 seconds remaining. Christian went to work again, this time out hustling the Bruins to give La Verne a chance to win. The Cypress College transfer pulled up for a 15-footer that rattled out but sprinted down to grab the offensive board and was fouled on his follow up shot. The junior sank both his free throws to put the Leopards up one with 12 second remaining. The Leopards forced a miss on George Fox's final attempt and Higgy Katoa came up with the clutch rebound to seal the win.

After putting up 18 points against Willamette, Christian continued to thrive in Oregon as he aided the Leopards with another 21 points against George Fox. He did damage from the line, making 10 of 11 free throw attempts. La Verne shot 78.6% from the line. Katoa and Kason White followed next with 11 points apiece. Katoa led the Leopards with six rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

In the first half, the Leopards pulled ahead with a 19-9 lead, but George Fox rallied to take a 30-25 lead at the half.

The Leopards are back in action on Monday, November 10th at 4:30 p.m. at Linfield University.