WHITTIER, Calif. — The University of La Verne women's basketball team had one of its best shooting nights of the season at Whittier but committed 33 turnovers in a 74-68 loss on Tuesday night at Graham Athletic Center.

La Verne falls to 2-9 overall and 0-2 in the SCIAC. Whittier moves to 4-7 and 1-1.

The Leopards took a slight edge heading into the fourth quarter despite giving the ball away 28 times before the final frame, but the sloppy play caught up with them as Whittier found its stroke.

The Poets shot 52.6 percent in the fourth quarter and converted five more La Verne turnovers into seven points en route to outscoring the Leopards, 27-16. Kaylah Alexander gave the Poets the lead for good with a layup with 3:48 left in the game and although the Leopards stayed within one possession until the final seconds, they just could not flip the lead back.

La Verne almost had one more opportunity to possible tie the game when Ana Youngblood missed both of her free throws following an intentional foul with 15 seconds to go, but Kamila Auls snuck in to grab the offensive rebound for Whittier and the Poets essentially sealed the game.

Shannon Irwin led all players with 18 points and added three rebounds and two steals. Emily Myers was hampered by an early foul trouble that limited her to just two first half minutes but came back to finish with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Noelle Cobb had eight points, four rebounds and three assists, and Karli Kato pitched in seven points off the bench.

Priscilla Rodriguez had a team-high 17 points for the Poets and Alexander had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Leopards return to action on on Saturday when they host Cal Lutheran.