Boxscore

A decisive second half performance by the University of La Verne resulted in yet another impressive win as Leopards defeated Pomona-Pitzer 108-75 at Voelkel Gymnasium in SCIAC women's basketball action Saturday in Claremont.

La Verne led 57-50 at the half before outscoring the Sagehens 51-25 over the final 20 minutes to register its sixth 100-point game of the season to improve to 10-6 overall and 7-1 in conference play.  The Leopards also exceeded the 90-point mark for the 11th time in the last 12 contests.

The Leos dominated the opening stages of the first half by outscoring Pomona-Pitzer 18-4 to take a 75-54 with 14 minutes remaining.  Leading 75-58, La Verne would go on a 13-2 run culminating on a layup from Emily Myers to seize an 88-60 advantage with 10:28 to play.

From there, the Leopards continued their assault as it would lead by as many as 36 points en route to the win. 

La Verne remained prolific from three-point range as it registered a season-high 22 three-pointers against the Sagehens.  The outside attack was led by Leslie Steele, who connected on eight treys on her way to a career-high 24 points to lead all scorers.  The Leopards have averaged 20 three-point field goals over the past three games.

In the first half, Pomona-Pitzer (3-11, 3-5 SCIAC) took on La Verne's uptempo style and fought to a standoff over the opening 15 minutes of play.  Though the Leopards opened a 38-32 lead, the Sagehens battled back by virtue of a 10-3 run to grab a 42-41 lead with 4:51 before intermission.  A three-pointer by Steele put the Leos on top for good at 44-42 on their way to a seven-point advantage at the break.

The Leopards hit 14 three-pointers in the first half and were on pace to threaten their own NCAA Division III record of 26 treys set a year ago against Pomona-Pitzer.  Though the Leos would cool off on their three-point pace, they stepped up their defense by holding the Sagehens to 10 field goals in the second half.

La Verne controlled the boards by out-rebounding the Sagehens 65-51 on the evening.  In addition, the Leos posted 50 points from their bench and forced 33 Sagehen turnovers.

Lindsey Foster contributed 21 points to post back-to-back 20-point games.  Foster also pulled down a team-high 8 rebounds.  Megan Musashi added 19 points for the Leos. 

Pomona-Pitzer had six players - led by Vanessa Ho with 17 points - to record double figures in scoring.  Jenn Okwonko (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Ruthie Shapiro (10 points, 10 rebounds) registered double-doubles on the evening.

La Verne returns to action Thursday night when it hosts Occidental College in a 7:30 pm start at Frantz Athletic Court.