LA VERNE, Calif. — Despite playing with its star center on the bench down the stretch, the University of La Verne women's basketball team nearly erased a 19-point deficit, came up with key defensive stops and hit big shots to give itself a shot with a minute to go.

But a turnover in the backcourt on their next possession stunted the Leopards' momentum as La Verne lost to Bristol University, 87-81, at the Sports and Science Athletic Pavilion on Saturday afternoon.

Emily Myers, who was off to a scorching start with 23 points and seven rebounds through the game's first 30 minutes, had to leave the game after landing hard on her back after an offensive rebound with about nine minutes to go.

But the Leopards never lost composure and went on a 21-4 run in a span of four minutes to close the gap to two-points after the Bears took a 79-60 lead on a pair of free throws at Jasmine Matthews. Tiffany Hicks and Shannon Irwin capped off the run with three-pointer and a layup, respectively, to bring the Leopards within 83-81.

Bristol's Monica Jackson hit a clutch pull-up jumper on the ensuing possession to stem the tide, but La Verne was still working with a two-possession game with 50 seconds remaining in the game.

However, the Bears briefly showed pressure in the backcourt on the inbound and Hicks picked up the dribble and she dragged her pivot foot just long enough for the officials to call a traveling violation to give the ball back to Bristol.

La Verne fouled but Ariel Temple sank both of her free throws, and La Verne could not find a basket the rest of the way.

Irwin was everywhere for the Leopards. The junior snuck in for six offensive rebounds and ended the afternoon with 16 points, eight total rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Kayla Valentine chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds.

The Leopards stayed within striking distance through the first half until Kejuana Gardner took over in the second half. The Bristol guard poured in 16 points in the first 10 minutes of the second half that helped the Bears take control of the game. She finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and three steals.

La Verne returns to action on Monday at 2 p.m. when it hosts San Diego Christian.