LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's basketball ended the season with a bang. Senior Cody Aquino ended his time as a Leopard with the best game of his career, leading La Verne to a nail-biting, 75-74 win against the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens.

Aquino scored 31 points and knocked down five three-pointers, both career highs. The Hawaii native needed just one half to set a new career scoring best. He tied his previous high of 18 with a floater, courtesy of one of Higgy Katoa's five assists, with two minutes in the half. He knocked down a three with under a minute in the half to set his new personal record. He went 7-12 in the period, giving the Leopards a 41-37 lead at the break.

Tensions rose in the second half, and the two teams tied five separate times in the period. After a steal and a layup from James Christian, the Leos were tied at 51-51 midway through the period. Christian had four steals on the night, just short of his season high of five. The junior from Long Beach also shot 5-5 at the line and finished with 12 points.

With the Leopards up 74-72, the Sagehens' Kyle Jasper tied the game with 59 seconds remaining. After a La Verne miss, the Leopards regained possession with 25 seconds remaining in the game following a Pomona-Pitzer turnover. Jackson Gray drew a foul with just four seconds left. After missing the first free throw, Gray made the difference-maker to give La Verne a one-point lead. The Sagehens flung the ball at the board with a second left, but could not execute.

Gary finished with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two assists.

The Leopards celebrated seniors Aquino, Carlos Bedolla, and Sharodd Lewis in a pregame ceremony.