LAS VEGAS, NV — Chiara Brown dropped 22 points, but the Leopards couldn't close a seven-point halftime deficit, falling to Rhodes 71-51 in their D3 Hoops Classic opener.

Brown added six rebounds, one steal, and one assist in the effort. 

Marissa Howell finished with nine points off three three-pointers with five rebounds. Naomi Jackson totaled eight points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals in the game.

Rhodes had three players finish in double figures, led by Alyssa Bongiovanni's 14 points.

La Verne moves to 5-2 overall, suffering just its first loss to a Division III opponent. Rhodes improves to 5-4.

The Leopards continue the D3 Hoops Classic tomorrow against Ohio Northern University at 2  p.m.