LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's basketball team outscored Colorado College 42-29 in the second half and twice got to within three points of the Tigers' lead late in the game. 

But the Leopards couldn't overcome a 20 first half deficit, falling at home 82-75.

Point guard Jazzlyn Johnson had her best scoring performance as a Leopard, dropping a game-high 26 points. The freshman also led her squad with eight rebounds, dished three assists, and added three steals. 

Angie Steel finished in double figures for the third straight game. The senior from San Diego scored 16 points off of 7-13 shooting in her first start of the season. Steel added five rebounds and one steal. 

McKenzee Gertz led the Tigers with 23 points.

After trailing for most of the game, Alexis Smith cut the deficit to just seven points after she knocked down a shot from deep in three-point range with 5:32 left to play. A minute later Smith did damage at the charity stripe knocking down three free throws to put the score at 73-69.

The Tigers took advantage of their own trips to the free throw line, going back up by seven with 2:28 on the clock. La Verne responded quickly with Johnson driving down the line for a layup and Smith again converting a pair of free throws to get the Leopards to within a possession of tying Colorado College. 

But that was as close as the Leopards would get, finishing the game 1-6 from the field.

Smith finished with 11 points. Mary Dishoian added 10 points including a pair of three-pointers and five rebounds.

Destinee Garr and Brittany McDaniel each finished with four boards.

Season Impact

The Leopards move to 2-2 on the season.

Next Game

The Leopards next play their SCIAC opener on Wednesday, November 28 against the Whittier College Poets. La Verne split with the Poets last season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.