LA VERNE - The Leopards (6-10, 3-5 SCIAC) of the University of La Verne defeated the Tigers (7-9, 3-5 SCIAC) of Occidental College, 61-58.

La Verne entered the game just 2-5 in conference play — with wins over Cal Lutheran and Caltech.  They had lost their last four games, from what seemed to be a struggle to finish in the final minutes.  That tide changed tonight.

After a painfully slow first half where both teams shot in the the low twenty percentile, the Leopards used a second-half surge to come from behind for the win.  With some of the best second half overall play by the Leopards this season, La Verne overcame a 15-point deficit and took the lead on a layup by senior Ronn See with 0:21 seconds on the clock.  A 0:03 defensive rebound that resulted in a two-point bucket by freshman Khaneal Mason set the stage for freshman Evan Roberts - who used his 6'9 frame and tremendous wing span to block the inbound attempt by the Tigers to end the game.

With 15 points and eight boards, See was the top scorer for both teams on the night.  Sophomore Weston Newell added 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Mason had 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Kris Montoya and Ty Cobb were the top scorers for the Tigers with 13 points each.

The Leopards will next face the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer in Claremont, Calif. on Saturday, January 25th.  Game time is 5:00 PM.