Caltech Women's Basketball put on a defensive masterclass Wednesday night, dismantling La Verne, 47-41, for its first conference win of the season.
Despite a 12-point halftime lead for the Beavers, the Leopards made a ferocious comeback in the second half. Led by forward Alyssa Smith, who finished the night with 25 points, La Verne guard Kaylee Shimoda knocked down a three to close the gap to 44-41 with 1:21 remaining.
After an empty Caltech possession, Shimoda had the chance with 40 seconds to tie the game up. After she received the ball, though, in her face was Zeynep Goktepe (Istanbul, Turkey / The MacDuffie School) on the close out. Goktepe forced the shot right which hit the side of the rim, where Kyra Phaychanpheng (Chino Hills, Calif. / Chino Hills) pulled down the rebound.
Anamaria Robertson (Petaluma, Calif. / Casa Grande) knocked down one-of-two free throws to put the game out of reach and seal the Beavers' best defensive showing since November 22nd against Stanton.
Goktepe spearheaded the Caltech offensive attack, nabbing a career-high 10 rebounds, eight on the defensive end. With her 19 points, Goktepe captured her first career double-double.
Phaychanpheng also provided valuable support for the Beavers. She had 10 points, her 18th game this season with double-digit points. Phaychanpheng's impact was also felt elsewhere. She grabbed eight rebounds for the second straight contest, with all eight coming on the defensive side. Robertson pulled in six boards as well.
Caltech's defense shined on Wednesday, holding La Verne to 41 points, its lowest total in more than a calendar year. The Beavers held the Leopards to just 22 percent from the floor. Last week, La Verne defeated Cal Lutheran, the top team in the SCIAC, 64-51. But Wednesday was different.
"I want our team to know they are capable of winning every single game," head coach Madison Quan said postgame.
Goktepe was a key contributor to Caltech's defensive success. She stole the ball four times to lead all players. Louise Scriven (Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand / Paraparaumu College) and Phaychanpheng also got their hands dirty, grabbing two steals apiece and each had a block.
The victory was a team effort for the Beavers, as all eight players found time on the hardwood Wednesday.
"I choose our whole entire team over any single person in this conference," Quan said. "I just want them to know, confidently, that they can do it."
Caltech has one more chance to nab a victory on Saturday, Feb. 21st at 4:00 p.m. against Chapman at Braun Gymnasium.
