CU's late free throw sinks La Verne
Campus Times
December 11, 1998
Senior forward Jennifer Spring scores for the second time during the
first half against Concordia University. At the end of the second half,
Spring managed to sink a three-pointer for the Leopards. However, the Leopards
lost to Concordia, 72-71.
What started as a sloppy game for the University of La Verne women's
basketball team ended as a down-to-the-wire shootout, which Concordia University
won, 72-71, Friday in the Supertents.
"I think we played with them, and I think we had an opportunity
to win this game," said head coach Julie Kline.
With 20 seconds left in regulation and trailing by three points, freshman
guard Kelli Obrero heroically shot a three pointer to tie the Leopards with
Concordia at 71 points a piece.
"I just prayed to God that it would go in," said Obrero. "I
know I was open and I know I had to shoot it, so I was a little nervous."
After La Verne tied the game, Concordia attacked its basket and picked
up a questionable foul from Leopards senior forward Jennifer Spring with
less than 10 seconds left in regulation.
"It was a ticky-tack foul," said Obrero.
The foul sent Concordia junior guard Kristen Kopp to the line to shoot
two free-throws.
Kopp hit one of the two and forced the Leopards to score. Obrero charged
down the floor and shot an ill-fated three-pointer, which fell to the wayside
at the buzzer.
La Verne did lose, but the game proved to the Leopards that they were
improving.
"I think we played the best game of our preseason, and I think
that says where our potential is," said Kline.
The Leopards did come out sloppy in the first half when they turned
the ball over successively and missed makeable layups, but the 71 points
they scored marked an important point in their 1-4 preseason record.
"I think we are beginning to understand the importance of rebounding,
taking care of the basketball, communication and being aggressive,"
said Kline.
Before the Concordia matchup, ULV played two Colorado tournament games,
in which it totaled a combined 101 points.
Scoring 71 points and having three players in double digits in one game
gives the Leopards the confidence they need to succeed.
Those players who reached the double digits in scoring, were Spring,
with 26, junior center Isa Lose, with 17, and sophomore guard Heather Johnson,
with 13.
"Our team decided to set goals, and we are going to take it one
night at a time," said Lose. "We have to focus on the layups we
missed, and the little things in the game."
Unfortunately, La Verne finished the Concordia contest with 26 turnovers
but made the necessary adjustments at halftime to conquer the seven-point
halftime deficit.
On defense, ULV was getting burned on weak-side picks and post positions.
"We came out [at halftime] after making some defensive and offensive
adjustments, and we got into our transition rhythm," said Kline.
The Leopards lack depth with their eight-man team but make up for it
with conditioning and a strong team spirit.
"I think coach has done a pretty good job conditioning us purposely,
because she knew we were going to be playing with eight people," said
Johnson.
"We have good chemistry even though we have our differences,"
said Lose.
The Leopards next game is tonight at Christian Heritage at 7 p.m. ULV's
next home game is Dec. 18 against North Central, Ill. at 7:30 p.m.
