Perez scores 44 in win over La Sierra

CLAREMONT, Calif. — Clarissa Perez dropped 44 points points and the University of La Verne women's basketball team held on for a 90-83 win over the La Sierra Golden Eagles Tuesday night at the Rains Center.

Perez wasted no time setting her career high, scoring 31 of her 44 points in the first half. The junior got hot at the start of the second quarter, knocking down three shots in a row including two three-pointers and a pair of free throws less than two and a half minutes into the period. Perez currently leads the SCIAC with 24.9 points per game.

Perez was efficient in her scoring, going 10-18 from the field with six three-pointers. She also got to the foul line often scoring 18 of 21 free throw attempts. Perez finished with a double-double grabbing 10 rebounds and adding two assists and two steals. 

The Leopards kept rolling in the second half, taking a 16 point lead two minutes into the period after another three by Perez on an assist by Nyjeeiah Ganan.

La Sierra battled back late, getting to within three points with 2:06 left to play after a layup by Alexis Davis. But a jumper by Alexa Withers and more clutch shooting at the line from Perez put the game away. 

Ganan had a big impact for La Verne, finishing in double figures for the third time this season with 13 points. The guard also dished out four assists, grabbed four boards, and notched a steal. 

Withers also finished in double figures with 10 points to go with eight rebounds. 

Alena Koay came up with some big offensive rebounds late in the four quarter for the Leopards helping to drain the clock. The junior finished with a career high 12 rebounds. Angelina Puno finished with nine points.

Davis led the Golden Eagles with 20 points 

Season Impact: The Leopards improve to 2-5 overall. La Sierra drops to 5-9.

Next Game: La Verne plays their final home game of 2017 tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. against Concordia Chicago at Pomona-Pitzer's Rain Center.

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