The duo of Ronn See and Jake Vieth helped provide the winning formula for the University of La Verne in combining for 45 points in a 82-74 triumph over Occidental in SCIAC men's basketball action Wednesday night at Frantz Athletic Court.
The Leopards trailed at the half before surging midway through the second frame to lead by 11 points with seven minutes remaining. Though the Tigers would rally to get within three points, La Verne eventually turned back the visitors in the final minutes to post its fourth win in the past six games.
La Verne produced 34 points from the paint as it shot 52.7% from the field against the Tigers. See enjoyed a career night as he notched a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, both career-best efforts. Vieth followed with 22 points on 8-15 shooting.
Occidental (6-11, 1-7 SCIAC) led by as many as seven points over the Leopards in the first half and entered the locker rooms in front 42-40.
The Leos would reverse fortunes in the second half. A layup by Vieth at 12:03 would put the Leopards up for good at 58-57, with See following with a three-pointer to stretch the advantage to 61-57. Leading 61-59 with 9:55 left to play, La Verne would proceed on a 9-0 run - culminating on a jumper from Alex Wolpe - to go up 70-61 with 7:03 remaining.
Oxy wouldn't go away and pulled to within three points on a jumper from Liebowitz to narrow the margin to 75-72. La Verne would counter with a triple from Vieth to push the lead back to six at 78-72 with 2:16 en route to earning victory.
Wolpe and Vince Bauer each added 10 points for the Leopards.
The win snapped the Leopards' three-game losing skid against the Tigers. La Verne's last win over Oxy occurred in a 52-49 triumph on January 12, 2011 in Eagle Rock.
Five Tigers posted double figures led by Sam Stapleton with 15 points. Liebowitz added 14 points with Eric Leider and Ryan Chong contributing 13 points each.
La Verne (5-12, 4-5 SCIAC) steps out of conference for its next game as it plays host to Division III independent UC Santa Cruz Saturday evening at Frantz Athletic Court. Tip-off is 7:00 pm.
