By Joe Perrino, Sports Information Assistant

LA VERNE — Despite an impressive second half surge, the Leos fell Saturday, Dec 18 afternoon 69-60 to the Knox Prairie Fire.

La Verne went into the locker room at halftime trailing 39-22. The first half was rough as shots were reluctant to fall. Then a quick Prairie Fire three pointer at start the second half suggested much of the same to follow.

But the resilient Leopards refused to give in.

A huge 29-7 run put the Leos in the lead for the first time all game. During the run, junior Alex Blanco got hot, scoring 13 of his 15 points in a five minute span. Junior Paul Antonis added eight of his 15 points as well. 

For Blanco, those 15 points were a career high, and his second double-digit scoring game of the season. He shot 5-11 from the field and 3-8 from downtown.

Seth Shaw continued his dominance in the paint, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 boards. Saturday marked his fourth double-double of the season, and third in a row.

Leos junior Brian Adams made his season debut with a strong impact on the defensive side of the ball. The 6-4 guard swiped three steals from the Prairie Fire and added a block to his stats leger. 

With the loss, the Leos fall to 2-8 on the season and 0-2 in SCIAC play. Knox moves to 4-6.

La Verne is back in action tomorrow at noon when they take on Loras College in The Tents.