Chapman Women Stop Long Skid

The Chapman women’s basketball team ended a six-game losing streak by beating Occidental, 93-90, in overtime Wednesday at Rush Gymnasium in Eagle Rock.

The Panthers (3-8) trailed by five at the half but rallied to take the lead by as many as seven points in the second half. Occidental used a full-court press to send the game into overtime. Desirie Rippy made a steal and scored with two seconds to left to tie it, 86-86.

In overtime, Chapman’s Deborah Nilsen made two free throws with about 15 seconds remaining to give the Panthers a three-point lead. Occidental could only manage a two-point shot attempt.

Melody Earle, a junior guard from Estancia High School, led Chapman with 28 points. She made nine of 19 shots from the field and all 10 of her free throws.

The Panthers were 23 of 25 from the free-throw line. Occidental made only 22 of 37.

Chapman’s Heidi Sorour, a junior guard from Saddleback College and Loara High School, added 20 points. Shawna Parkinson, a freshman forward from Reedly in Northern California, added 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots.