Whitworth rings in college basketball season with win in midnight game

Whitworth held off a strong second half rally by visiting La Verne, defeating the visiting Leopards 87-80 in the season opener for both schools on Friday morning.

The game tipped off at 12:01 am on Friday, the earliest possible start time for NCAA Division III schools.

The Pirates built an 18-point lead early in the second half when George Valle hit a short jumper for a 58-40 advantage. But the Panthers fought back behind excellent three-point shooting. Anthony White’s jumper pulled La Verne to within 69-67 with 3:22 left to play.

Whitworth answered with a 7-0 run, including four points by Kenny Love, to retake control.

La Verne was able to stay with the Pirates by hitting from three-point range. The Leopards finished 13-29 from beyond the arc, which accounted for nearly half of their 29 baskets.

“Tonight was a great battle,” said Pirate coach Matt Logie. “Our experience and togetherness was tested and showed up when we hit the adversity in the second half. Our veteran guys got shots when we needed them to and that carried us through.”

Valle led all players with 29 points and 10 rebounds, only one point off of his career high. He also surpassed 1,000 career points late in the game. Love finished with 24 points and five steals. Christian Jurlina added 17 points to give the Bucs three players in double figures.

White scored 24 to lead La Verne, making 6-11 from three-point range. White also led his team with seven rebounds. Kendall McClain added 21 points.

Whitworth will return to action next Friday when the Pirates host Caltech in the Fieldhouse at 7.