The Leopard men's basketball team (5-7, 2-2 SCIAC) lost to the Stags of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (8-4, 3-0 SCIAC) tonight, 38-53.

In what may turn out to be one of the lowest scoring first halves of the season, CMS held the minimal advantage for most of it.  With La Verne and CMS both shooting 22.7 percent and 23.1 percent respectively, the half time buzzer sounded with only 12-18 on the scoreboard - in favor of the Stags.

Both teams exited the locker rooms with better determination and accuracy at the rim.  The first two minutes showed much improved play overall, with the score tieing for the first time of the game at 20-20.  But it was the 53.8 percent second half field goal shooting from the Stags that secured the 53-38 win for CMS, along with the 24 points and seven rebounds posted by Tyler Gaffaney.

Karl Reyes was the leading scorer for La Verne with 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Leopards will travel January 11th to Redlands when they take on the Bulldogs.  Tip off is scheduled for 5:00 PM.