Photo by Emily Gosdanian

WHITTIER, CA — Bailey Kurahashi and Clarissa Perez both finished in double figures and the University of La Verne women's basketball team had a chance to win the game in the waning seconds of their game at Whittier College.

But the Leopards couldn't convert on their final attempt falling to the Poets 63-62.

Final Minutes

Tied 60-60 with just over two minutes to play, Perez fed a nice bound pass inside the key to Brittany McDaniel who laid the ball in for the two-point advantage. The Poets responded quickly with Teani White knocking down a three-pointer to put Whittier back on top with 1:45 to play. 

Later after a Whittier timeout, the Poets ran the clock down to 17 seconds when Cali Cubel threw up a three-point attempt that bounced off the rim. Perez grabbed the rebound and took it down the court. With about 10 seconds to play, Perez at the top of the key made drove to her right but got stripped by Emily Guerena in the post. The Poets ran down the clock to take the win.

Stat Leaders

Kurahashi led the Leopards with 14 points including four three-pointers to go with two rebounds and two assists. Kurahashi leads the SCIAC with 3.3 triples per game and moves her season total to 66 made three-pointers, good enough for third in the conference.

Perez finished notched her first double-double of the year grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds and scoring 11 points. The Los Angeles native added four steals and two assists.

Post players Hannah Rogers and McDaniel each had solid games. Rogers grabbed five boards with six points and a steal while McDanield totaled eight points, four rebounds, and a block. Monica Garcia Silva scored eight points.

White led the Poets with 20 points.

Season Impact

It's going to be a tight finish for the final two spots in the SCIAC Tournament. Chapman currently sits in the number three spot with an 8-4 conference record and Whittier holds the fourth spot at 6-6. Cal Lutheran (5-6), La Verne (5-7), and Redlands (5-7) are all in the mix.

Next Game

The Leopards game this Saturday at Roberts Pavilion becomes much more important. The Leopards played close with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in their meeting earlier this season, losing a close 80-71 game. If La Verne can upset the first place Athenas it will add a big boost to their postseason aspirations. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.