LA VERNE, Calif. — Connor Head finished in double figures for the ninth time this season but the University of La Verne men's basketball team couldn't overcome Occidental's hot shooting, falling to the Tigers 79-57 Monday night at home.

Head knocked down three three-pointers, finishing with a team-high 12 points. The senior also led La Verne with six rebounds.

The Leopards battled in the second half, keeping pace with the Tigers in the period to get to within 13 points of Occidental's lead. But La Verne had trouble stopping the Tigers on the other end who shot 53.2 percent as a team.

Anthony Hamilton and Luke Edwards added some energy to their squad in the second half. Hamilton finished with six points and a block in 11 minutes of work, all in the final period. Edwards went 2-2 from beyond the arc with a free throw. 

Evan Gustafson finished with eight points in the post for the Leopards to go with three rebounds. Brandon Rice dropped six points and grabbed a pair of boards.

Zach Baines led Occidental with 27 points. 

Next Game: The Leopards have a quick turnaround, getting backing into action on Wednesday when they travel to Redlands to take on the Bulldogs at 7 p.m.