The Leopards (8-5, 3-1 SCIAC) of La Verne  lost tonight to the Athenas (11-2, 3-1 SCIAC) of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 57-73.

Although the overall shooting percentages were almost dead even (47.2 percent to 46.5 percent), the small percentage was the eventual difference that gave the Athenas the advantage and the game.

La Verne held the lead in the second half until 15:52 when Athena Madeline Barnes made both buckets from the freebie line to put CMS in front 37-36.  The Leopards never recovered the lead.

Highlights for La Verne included quality play from Kay Hurd who came off the bench tonight for the first time in weeks due to an injury.  Hurd posted 15 points, 3 rebound and one steal.  Also in double digits was Lindsey Foster with 10 points and 7 rebounds.

The Leopards next take on the Bulldogs of Redlands Saturday, January 11th.  Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.