The University of La Verne used the three-point shot to its advantage as it collected 11 treys in a 74-50 triumph over Caltech in SCIAC women's basketball action Saturday at Frantz Athletic Court.
La Verne went 8-17 beyond the arc in the first half (47.1%) to grab a 39-23 advantage at intermission. In addition, the Leopard defense posted 19 points off Beaver turnovers en route to the victory.
The Leopards (5-8, 2-1 SCIAC) endured a dry spell in the first half, failing to register a field goal during a six-minute stretch as they trailed 11-10 with 8:53 to play before halftime. A jumper from Stephanie Shepard gave the La Verne the lead for good at 12-11. A Kelly Kika three-pointer with 2:31 left in the first half pushed the Leopard lead to 10 points at 31-21.
The Leos were up 33-23 when they received back-to-back three-pointers from Kika and Teresa Fatai to end the half with a 16-point advantage.
Emily Carrillo's jumper at the beginning of the second half stretched the Leopard advantage to 41-23, but the Beavers continued to battle and trailed by 12 points (58-46) with 7:09 remaining.
La Verne close the game on a 16-4 run and held the Beavers without a field goal for more than four minutes.
Kelly Kika led La Verne in scoring with 16 points, finishing with 4 three-pointers for the game. Devon Michaels added 3 treys on her way to 14 points. Ashley Paul and Teresa Fatai added 9 and 8 points, respectively.
Krissy Dahl collected a double-double for Caltech with 12 points and 10 rebounds while teammate Marlyn Moore added 11.
The Leopards continue league action next Thursday at Redlands (8-6, 2-1 SCIAC) in a 7:30 pm tip-off.
