SAN DIMAS, Calif. — Evan Gustafson led the Leopards with a season-high 15 points, but the University of La Verne men's basketball team couldn't overcome an early first half deficit, falling to the visiting Buena Vista Beavers 82-52 Thursday afternoon at Mehl Court.

Gustafson went 6-9 from the field and grabbed three assists.

Connor Head contributed 13 points while leading his squad with eight rebounds.

Turnovers hurt the Leopards early in the game with La Verne giving the ball up 11 times in the first half. The Beavers took advantage, finishing the game with 18 points off of turnovers. 

Victor Costa added eight points for La Verne.

David Jeffries led the Beavers with 15 points.

La Verne drops to 0-9 overall while the Beavers improve to 8-2 overall

Next Game: The Leopards return to SCIAC action on January 3 when they travel to defending SCIAC Champions Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 7 p.m.