By Sebastián Abdón Ibarra, Sports Information Intern
LA VERNE — The University of La Verne Leopards (1-6; 0-2) suffered a tough 55-50 loss to the Occidental College Tigers (2-2; 1-1) on Saturday, Dec. 4. The Leos were very much still in the game late into the final minute of the game, but the ball didn't bounce their way in their final attempts to tie the game.
Despite the loss, right out of the half, the Leos turned a daunting 35-28 deficit into a 39-38 lead. La Verne's struggles on offense to start the second half didn't distract them from playing excellent team defense and keeping Occidental scoreless for four minutes coming out of halftime.
Seth Shaw gave the Leos the spark they needed with two layups, and John Malone II added a 3-pointer to cut the Tigers' lead to just 38-37. Immediately after, Shaw brought the Leos within one point, Knox came up with a huge steal and assist on Malone's fastbreak layup to give La Verne its first lead of the game, 39-38. Knox's steal and La Verne forcing a backcourt violation on the Tigers' next possession got the home crowd back into the game.
The teams traded buckets for the remainder of the game. With a minute left, Knox drained a layup to reduce the deficit to five, but La Verne couldn't tie the game late.
Shaw was the leading scorer for the Leos and the most efficient. He finished with 14 points on 75% shooting, seven rebounds and three assists. Knox had his best game of the year with 12 points on 4-7 shooting, including 2-5 from three-point land. Malone II had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Paul Antonis fell one rebound short of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Leos are back in action next week when they take on West Coast Baptist on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Sports Science and Athletics Pavillion.