PASADENA, Calif. — Victor Costa knocked down a three-pointer as time expired to tie the game 77-77 sending the Leopards into overtime against the Caltech Beavers.
But the University of La Verne men's basketball team couldn't hold on in extra time, falling Saturday night 96-86 at the Braun Athletic Center.
Connor Head led the Leopards with 23 points, knocking down 10 of 18 attempts from the field while grabbing six rebounds.
Costa added 15 points, including his game-tying three, after he grabbed a missed Caltech free throw and launched a shot at the top of the key.
Evan Gustafson had an efficient scoring performance, scoring 14 points on just eight attempts to go with four boards and two blocks.
After the Leopards went into the break up 38-32 the Beavers surged ahead in the second half, taking a 10 point lead with 8:26 left in the game.
La Verne continued to chip away from the lead, benefiting from poor free throw shooting from Caltech to get back into the game. Head scored 15 points in the period.
The Beavers were led by Marcus Gee's 29 points with Alec Andrew scoring 22.
Jamaal Willis also finished in double figures, scoring 11 points.
La Verne falls to 0-14 overall and 0-6 in SCIAC play. Caltech improves to 4-11 overall and 2-4 in the SCIAC.
Next Game: The Leopards return to take on the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens Wednesday, January 17 at 7 p.m.