Men’s Basketball falls to Whittier, 71-64

LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne men's basketball team dominated the glass but could not take care of the ball in a 71-64 loss to Whittier at Frantz Court on Saturday afternoon.

How it happened: The Leopards doubled up Whittier on the boards, outrebounding the Poets, 42-21.

But La Verne's rebounding advantage was negated by 21 turnovers, which led to 29 points on the other end for the Poets. Whittier, on the other hand, committed just nine turnovers in the game and La Verne managed only nine points off the turnovers.

It was over when: It was a back-and-forth game until the Poets used a 16-3 run to surge to a 10-point lead with just 1:33 to go. Andrew Torres started the run with a pair of free throws and Andrew Bucholtz scored eight points—including a layup to cap the run—during the stretch.

Turnovers bit the Leopards during the run as 10 of Whittier's 16 points came off La Verne's miscues.

Players of the game: Hakim Arnold once again led the Leopards with 18 points. The sophomore added eight rebounds and three assists as well.

Josiah Sukumaran led all players with nine boards while scoring six points. Khaneal Mason had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Bucholtz and Eric Jennings had huge scoring nights to lead the Poets. Bucholtz recorded a game-high 20 points and Jennings had 19.

Up next: The Leopards will try to get back on track when they host Occidental on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Frantz Court. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.