CLAREMONT, Calif. — Connor Head scored a career-high 22 points but the University of La Verne men's basketball team fell to the number one team in the country Whitman College 96-67 at the Rains Center Monday afternoon.

Head went 8-17 from the floor with a three-pointer to go with five rebounds and a steal. The senior scored some hard earned baskets, driving to the hole through Whitman's physical defense. Head's 22 points led all players.

Whitman surged ahead of the Leopards in the first half, using their smothering full court pressure to force La Verne into turnovers early.

The Leopards got 35 points from the bench with Cole Currie and Jordan Allen each scoring eight. Currie led La Verne with six rebounds. 

Evan Gustafson fought in the paint for eight hard-earned second half points. The junior also grabbed five boards. 

Ryan McHenry had a solid game, grabbing five rebounds and scoring four points in 13 minutes of work. 

Joey Hewitt led the Blues with 19 points. 

Next Game: The Leopards break for the holidays and return to action on Thursday, December 28 when they play Buena Vista at 2:30 p.m. The matchup will be a home game for the Leopards but will be played in San Dimas at Life Pacific College's Mehl Court due to the ongoing construction of La Verne's new residence and dining hall.

Click below for directions to Life Pacific: