By Cyanna Rosa

La Verne, CA - The University of La Verne men's basketball team hosted back-to-back games this weekend, facing Lake Forest of Illinois this afternoon. A back-and-forth game at first, the game ultimately came down to the last seconds after a halftime lead by the Leopards to determine the winner. 

The first half was neck and neck against the Midwest DIII team, but Leopard Guard Brad Yasukochi drained a layup to put the team in the lead with seven minutes left in the half. Battling the Leopards, the Foresters continued to match the score up until two minutes left on the clock in the half. Leopard Center Brandin Ziegler scored the final four points of the half, as the Leopards entered halftime leading the Foresters by 9, 41-32. 

In the second half, the Leopards dominated the court and held a lead of sixteen point lead until the last few minutes of the game. The Foresters made a late run but the Leopards were prepared for the challenge. Leopard starters Brandin Ziegler and Jonas Holt each contributed 14 points in the game with a stellar performance by forward Kyler Harvey to lead the Leopards with 15 points today. In the last three minutes, the Leopards played tight defense, limiting the Foresters opportunities. The Leopards maintained control until the final horn, winning by a final score of 69-68. 

The Leopards face Crown College at the Tents this Tuesday, December 20th at 2:00 PM PST.