Though Claremont-Mudd-Scripps erased all but one point of a 22-point second half deficit, the University of La Verne held on in the final stages to preserve a 82-77 triumph over the Athenas in SCIAC women's basketball action Saturday at Ducey Gymnasium in Claremont.
The final minutes produced high drama as the Athenas would twice get within a point. A pair of Shelby Barthold free throws to close the deficit to 78-77 with 21 seconds left to play. Amanda Copas however would end the uprising on the ensuing possession by sinking two free throws to extend the lead to 80-77 with 12 seconds remaining.
Aria Krumwiede failed to convert on a game-tying three-point attempt, and Megan Musashi would hit two more free throws to close out the contest.
La Verne held a 40-26 halftime lead and would go up 53-31 on a Tyne McClure field goal with 15:50 left to play. But the Leopards were plaqued by fouls early in the second half as the Athenas would begin to chip away at the lead.
CMS proceeded on a 10-0 run to close within 12 points and would later cut the lead to 10 points at 67-57 with 6:34 remaining.
The Athenas controlled the battle of the boards, out-rebounding the Leopards 40-24 on the evening. CMS also shot 53.2% from the field compared to 40.0% for La Verne. The Leos used the three-point shot as their equalizer, connecting on 11 treys with the Athenas recording four three-point field goals.
Musashi totaled 15 points to lead the Leopards in scoring. McClure finished with 12 points followed by Emily Myers and Leslie Steele with 10 points each.
Madeline Barnes paced CMS with 15 points with Cameron Ruby adding 14 points in a losing effort.
With the win, La Verne moved into a fourth place tie with Occidental in the league standings. The two teams meet Thursday night in Eagle Rock in a 7:30 pm start.
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