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Leopard forward Mychal Thomas guards CMS's Chris Blees during first-half action (Adam Kazub photo)Leopards Downed By Stags
Though the University of La Verne held a 36-27 edge over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, the second half would provide a different outcome as the Stags controlled the final 20 minutes of action to top the Leopards 76-61 at Ducey Gymnasium Wednesday night in Claremont.
The Stags dominated the opening minutes of the second half and took the lead for good at 46-44 on a three-point basket. CMS shot 68.2% (15-22) from the field in the second half while limiting La Verne to nine field goals after intermission.
CMS's hot shooting in the second half was evident at the free throw line as it made 15 of 17 shots from the charity stripe. The Stags remained unbeaten in conference play at 4-0 while improving their overall record to 12-3.
La Verne went 4-9 from the three-point range during the first 20 minutes and held CMS to 35.7% shooting in the first half en route to the nine-point cushion at halftime. For the game the Leopards shot 44.7% from the field for the game but committed 19 turnovers.
CMS forward Chris Blees led all scorers with 24 points. John Leggett paced the Leopards in scoring with 20 points while the senior duo of Matt Heyd and Billy Nicolini each chipped in with 10 points.
La Verne (5-10, 1-3 SCIAC) returns home on Saturday to host Occidental College in the second game of a men's-women's basketball doubleheader. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
