LA VERNE, Calif. — Victor Costa led the University of La Verne men's basketball team with 24 points at home Saturday afternoon, but the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen went on a big run to open the second half to take the lead for good, beating the Leopards 84-64 Saturday afternoon.

Costa went 9-16 from the field with a three-pointer. The senior added two assists and grabbed six rebounds.

Connor Head also finished in double figures, scoring 10 points with two three-pointers and three assists.

Six first half three-pointers by Cal Lutheran helped keep the Kingsmen ahead of the Leopards for most of the opening 20 minutes. But La Verne added four threes of their own with a big one coming from Jamaal Willis with under two minutes to play to help cut Cal Lutheran's lead to just seven at the break, 40-33.

Cal Lutheran extended their lead in the second half, going on a 23-4 run to put the game away.

Cole Currie led La Verne in rebounds grabbing eight boards and assists with four. The freshman also scored eight points. 

Willis finished with seven points and Luke Edwards added six of his own.

Kyle Fererira led Cal Lutheran with 25 points. KJ Moffett and Palmer Chaplin each scored 12 points. 

The Leopards drop to 0-8 in SCIAC play and 0-16 overall. The Kingsmen improve to 4-4 in conference play and 5-10 overall.

Next Game: The Leopards take a break from SCIAC action when they host UC Santa Cruz next Wednesday, January 24 at 7 p.m.