LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's basketball team rolled late to earn an important 81-64 win over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Wednesday night.

Season Impact

With the win, the Leopards improve to 16-6 overall and 12-3 in conference play. They are in position to claim at least a share of the SCIAC Regular Season Championship heading into their regular-season finale Saturday against Chapman. If both Cal Lutheran and La Verne win, the squads will share the SCIAC title. If the Leopards win and the Regals lose La Verne will take the regular season crown outright.

Top Performers

Chiara Brown led the Leopards with 25 points and 11 rebounds and earned her 14th double-double of the season. 

Alyssa Smith followed with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in the win. Smith knocked down clutch back-to-back three-pointers late in the third quarter to extend La Verne's lead to 14.

Marissa Howell finished with 17 points, four three-pointers, four assists, and three rebounds. Howell helped put the game away in the fourth quarter, draining back-to-back threes to put the Leopards up by 15 with two and a half minutes left to play.

Cayla Harang had a solid game off the boards, grabbing seven rebounds and adding a block.

How it Happened

The Leopards got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 9-0 lead sparked by a three-pointer from Valentina Limon.

La Verne extended its lead to 10 when Howell drained a three with just under two minutes remaining in the half, and the Leopards went into the break leading 20-13.

The Athenas battled back early in the fourth quarter, cutting the Leopards' lead to just five points with 7:51 left to play and stayed within seven points with just under six minutes remaining. 

But that's when the Leopards took over. La Verne closed the game on a 17-7 run, aided by Howell's makes from beyond the arc, clutch free throws, and a final bucket by Jennifer Morales.

Next Game

The Leopards close out the regular season at home this Saturday against Chapman at 4 p.m. La Verne will celebrate its seniors with a brief pregame ceremony.