LA VERNE - In a double overtime barnburner, the La Verne Leopards women's basketball team defeated the Knights of Warburg 87-81.

With five tied scores in the first half, the Knights took over the lead 22-19 at 9:35.  Although the Leopards gained some momentum and fire from the bench, both teams left the court for the locker rooms at the half with Warburg in the lead 37-32.

But it was the second portion of the game that had the fans on their feet.

The Knights continued to lead the Leopards until 7:22 when La Verne tied the game 51-51 on a two point jumper by sophomore Emily Meyers.  With multiple lead changes, and another five tied scores, the Leopards sent the game into 61-61 overtime with a layup by sophomore Shannon Irwin.

Overtime number one found La Verne out in front 63-61 with a shot by freshman Gaby Moura-Hayes.  Three lead changes and two tied games later, the Leopards found themselves looking at a 72-72 score and another overtime situation after two consecutive buckets by the Knights' Bobbi Burrows.

The second overtime belonged soley to La Verne - largely carried by the outstanding play of sophomore Diana Pena and senior Lindsey Foster.  Utilizing a balanced offense and disciplined defense, the two collected 12 points collectively, and were complemented by the defensive play of junior Riki Murakami and offensive play of Irwin - who locked in the 87-81 win for the Leopards with two final throw shots.

The Leopards (7-3, 2-0 SCIAC) will next face UC Irvine on January 2nd in Irvine.  Tip off is scheduled for 5PM PST.