In its last home game of the season, the University of La Verne was victorious in earning a 69-52 Senior Night triumph over the California Institute of Technology in SCIAC men's basketball action Saturday at Frantz Athletic Court.
Prior to the game, the Leopards honored its six-player senior class of Trevor Woodland, Austin Napolitano, John Leggett, Jonathan Bastos, Tyler Hoyt and Jeremy Lay. All six were instrumental in Saturday's win over the Beavers.
La Verne (6-18, 3-10 SCIAC) never trailed in the game and led by as many as 21 points in the first half before setting for a 33-15 cushion at the break. A three-pointer from Lay gave the Leopards an early 18-8 lead. Up 18-11, the Leos proceeded on a 14-0 run for a 32-11 lead with 2:01 remaining before intermission. The Leopards shot 50% (12-24) while holding Caltech to a 18.2% clip (4-22) during the first 20 minutes of action.
In the second half, La Verne maintained its double-digit advantage and built its largest lead of the game with consecutive layups from Woodland and Jake Veith to grab a 55-33 margin with under five minutes remaining.
For the game, the Leopards shot 48.8% from the field and made 9 of their 23 three-point attempts.
Lay drained four three-pointers to lead a balanced scoring attack with 12 points with Woodland also reaching double figures with 11 points. Leggett finished with 8 points while Napolitano, Bastos and Hoyt collected 6 points each. The Leos also enjoyed a 38-25 edge in rebounding on the evening as five different players - including Woodland, Bastos and Lay - pulling down a team-high five boards.
Caltech (5-19, 0-13) was led in scoring by Mike Edwards who posted a game-high 15 points in the defeat.
La Verne will close out the 2011-12 campaign Tuesday night as it takes on Whittier College in a 7:30 pm start.
