
LA VERNE, CA - Monica Garcia Silva's free throws with 18.6 seconds were the difference as the host La Verne Leopards pulled off a 64-63 comeback win over UC Santa Cruz.
UCSC (11-9) lost for the first time in 2019 as La Verne held the Banana Slugs without a field goal in the last 2:18 to improve to 12-10.
While the Banana Slugs shot a decent 26-74 (35.1%) from the field, they were held to a season-low 2-21 from three and were just 9-22 (40.9%) from the foul line.
The Leopards were 23-29 (79.3%) on free-throws, including 13-14 in the last quarter to erase a 10-point UCSC lead.
Kaylee Murphy led the Banana Slugs career-highs of 18 points and 20 rebounds. The 20 boards tied for the fifth-highest single-game mark in UCSC history. She added team-highs of three assists and three blocks. Ashley Kowack had 11 points. Emily Mitchell added 9 off the bench.
Garcia Silva led the Leopards with 18 points, including a perfect 8-8 free throws.
The Banana Slugs finish the weekend trip when they play Westcliff Sunday afternoon in Santa Ana,