By Cyanna Rosa

LA VERNE, CA- The University of La Verne men's basketball team finalized the home doubleheader against the University of Redlands this Saturday evening. 

The first half started off with both teams seeking ground to establish themselves. La Verne's defensive intensity helped the Leopards dictate early momentum in the game as the game remained close throughout the first part of the first half. Redlands managed to take a double-digit lead but gritty play by La Verne to close the half closed the gap. Freshman guard Tyler Brown landed 5 points and Junior guard Saafir Moore with 8 more points for the Leopards dwindling the score gap to 10 points, 50-40 at the half.

Tavares James added 12 points in the second half to push the Leopard to close the Redlands lead, finishing the game with 21 total points on the scoreboard, followed by starter Brian Adams adding 14 points.

The Leopards held a solid effort throughout the second half but would fall to Redlands by a final score of 89-76. The men come back to the Tents after the New Year on January 4th at 7:00 PM; facing their fourth conference game against Claremont-M-S.