LA VERNE, Calif. — Connor Head led the Leopards with 13 points but the University of La Verne men's basketball team fell in their home opener to the Pacific Boxers 84-59

Head finished with three three-pointers. Victor Costa added nine points in the game. Brandon Rice, Jamaal Willis, and Luke Edwards each totaled six points. Rice and Costa both grabbed five rebounds. 

The Boxers jumped out to a big lead early in the game, benefiting from 51.5 percent shooting from the floor in the first 20 minutes. 

After heading into the break down 42-20, the Leopards began chipping away at Linfield's lead in the second half. 

Juan Eason II cut the deficit to 15 points, draining a three from the corner with just under seven minutes to play, but the Leopards couldn't manage to get much closer.

La Verne struggled from the line, making just 34.4 percent of their free throws. 

Luke Edwards knocked down a pair of three-pointers for the Leopards. 

The Boxers were led by Jay Merriweather's 18 points

Season Impact: The Leopards fall to 0-3 overall. Pacific stays undefeated at 4-0.

Next Game: The Leopards head north this weekend to play in the UC Santa Cruz Classic. La Verne opens up on Saturday with a 5 p.m. game against Pacific Lutheran. They finish off the weekend on Sunday with a 3 p.m. match-up versus Willamette.