LOS ANGELES — Kayla Chism, Shannon Irwin and Emily Myers all reached double-figure scoring and the University of La Verne women's basketball team defeated Occidental, 74-62, at Rush Gymnasium on Monday night.

How it happened: La Verne shot extremely well from all over the court. The Leopards shot 45.2 percent overall, including 39 percent from beyond the arc, and converted 13 of 18 free throws.

The Leopards built a 21-11 at about the midway point of the opening half using a 10-0 run. Irwin made a couple of shots, Tiffany Hicks hit a layup and Taylor Bolden sank a three during the run.

The Leopards then converted 7 of their last 10 shots of the half to take a 41-29 lead into the break.

The offense did not let up in the second half. The Leopards started the half on a 19-7 run to grab the largest lead of the game, 60-39, at about the 12:24 mark. Faye Osburn scored seven points and Chism had six during that stretch.

With the game well in hand, the Tigers scored a flurry of baskets late, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the deficit.

Players of the game: Irwin led the early charge, hitting all three of her first half shots in a four-minute span, to stake the Leopards to a 10-point advantage.

Chism hit seven of her 10 shots and Myers had a typical night for her, posting a near double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Mackenzie Bretz and Triana Anderson led Occidental with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

What it means: At 6-4 in conference play and with the back half of SCIAC action underway, La Verne can begin scoreboard-watching. La Verne is currently in a tie for fourth place with Redlands but the Bulldogs beat the Leopards on Jan. 28.

Up next: The Leopards wrap up a three-way road swing with a trip to Whittier on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.