The University of La Verne fell victim to a late second half surge by visiting UC Santa Cruz in dropping 104-97 decision to the visiting Banana Slugs in non-conference action Saturday at Frantz Athletic Court.
La Verne (10-8) led 85-84 before UCSC went on a decisive 15-3 scoring run to take a 99-88 lead with 2:51 to play. The Slugs boosted their advantage to 14 points at 104-90 before settling for the seven-point win.
The Leopards were unable to take aadvantage of a fast start as they led by as many as 17 points at 34-17 midway through the first half. The Slugs would trim the deficit to five points to eventually trail the Leos 62-54 at the break.
The Slugs scored the first eight points of the second half to knot the affair at 62 with 17:58 remaining. The two teams would trade the lead over the next several minutes with La Verne holding its biggest lead of four points at 83-79. The Slugs answered with five consecutive points to go up 84-83 before a layup from Tyne McClure gave the Leos their last lead of the contest at 85-84 with 7:02 to play.
UCSC (13-8) shot 63.6% (21-33) from the field in the second half. Forward Sarah Mackey paced the Slugs with a 14-15 effort from the field to tally a game-high 33 points. Ryane Ortiz shot 6-7 from the floor to finish with 15 points.
Lindsey Foster was one of four Leopards who totaled double figures for the game, leading the way with 17 points. Brittni Tapia collected 14 points followed by Megan Musashi (13) and Tyne McClure (11). Senior guard Amanda Copas registered eight points.
La Verne resumes conference action next Thursday as it travels to Redlands for a 7:30 pm tip-off.
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