LA VERNE, CA – Four Leopards scored double figures but the University of La Verne men's basketball team fell to the visiting Whittier College Poets in an exciting 78-68 game. 

The Leopards started strong in the first half. Carlos Bedolla returned to the court after a long layoff. The 6'5" senior from Bell Gardens grabbed a career-high nine rebounds and scored 13 points in his first action in almost a month.

Kason led the Leopards with 16 points, followed Bedolla with seven rebounds, and rounded out his game with a block and a steal. He shined in the second half and got the Leopards within five points midway through period when he drained a three off an assist from Jackson Gray.

Cody Aquino made it a three-point game with 3:50 left to play when he forced as steal and finished on the other end to put the score at 66-63, but that was as close as the Leopards would get.

James Christian and Higgy Katoa scored 10 points a piece.

The Leos are back in action on January 14th at 7 p.m. at the University of Redlands.