The University of La Verne basketball team began its six-game homestand on the short end of a 56-53 decision to visiting Puget Sound Tuesday afternoon at Frantz Athletic Court.
The Leopards fell behind by nine points in the second half before mounting a comeback effort in the latter stages of the contest, only to fall short.
La Verne (1-7) grabbed early 14-5 lead before Loggers went on a 8-0 run to close within a point at 14-13. La Verne led 20-15 before Puget Sound ran off five straight points to tie it at 20. Loggers took first lead of the game 23-22 on a Rogers three-pointer on their way to a 36-32 halftime advantage.
Puget Sound (5-5) led 52-43 with 5:21 remaining, but La Verne closed the margin to three points at 54-51 on a dunk from Alonzo Young with 1:12 left to play. However, the Leos could not edge closer as Rex Holmes hit a jumper with 43 seconds left to help seal the win for the Loggers.
La Verne was held to 3-of-19 shooting from three-point range but made 14 of its 18 free throw attempts.
Three Puget Sound players reached double figuers. Derek Jobe posted a team-high 14 points followed by Holmes (13) and Riggs Yarbro (10).
Jake Vieth led the Leopards in scoring with 20 points, finishing 7-15 from the field. Alex Wolpe added 7 points and 5 rebounds.
La Verne returns to action December 28 when it plays host to Wisconsin-Platteville in a 2:00 pm tip-off at Frantz Athletic Court.
