THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Shannon Irwin had a game-high 19 points for the University of La Verne women's basketball team but Cal Lutheran used a big second-half run to defeat the Leopards, 72-58, on Saturday afternoon at Gilbert Arena.

La Verne falls to 3-8 overall and 0-2 in SCIAC play. Cal Lutheran improves to 6-4 and 1-0 in SCIAC.

After falling into a first-half hole, the Leopards closed strong in the half and clawed back within three points with over 14 minutes remaining the game.

But the Regals scored the game's next 12 points, hitting 5 of 10 shots, to get away to a 56-41 lead and never looked back. La Verne just could not buy a basket during the run as it went 0-for-10 during the stretch and committed four turnovers.

Irwin contributed eight points as the Leopards mounted the rally. The junior added three rebounds, three assists and three steals in addition to her nine points.

Riki Murakami dished out seven assists and 5-foot-3 guard Tiffany Hicks grabbed a team-high six rebounds off the bench.

Kayla Valentine added 10 points for La Verne.

La Verne forced 21 turnovers, but lost the rebounding battle, 51-36. The Regals pulled in 15 offensive rebounds and converted them into 17 second chance points.

Chelsea Jacoby was all over the court for Cal Lutheran, scoring 12 points while grabbing seven rebounds, handing out five assists, blocking five shots and snagging two steals

Taylor Messick had 11 points and nine rebounds for the Regals, while Sofia Cruz chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

The Leopards return to action at Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.