Vipers Strike Late: Rojas' 25 Points Power LA Past Monarchs 103-95
Rojas Leads Vipers' Furious Fourth-Quarter Rally
MONTREAL – The Los Angeles Vipers staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback on the road, outlasting the Montreal Monarchs 103-95 in a hard-fought Pro League contest. Daniel Rojas poured in a game-high 25 points, spearheading a late surge that silenced the home crowd and propelled the Vipers to victory.
The Monarchs held a narrow lead for much of the first half, fueled by strong performances from Mia Jenkins and Clara Rodriguez who each finished with 15 points. Montreal’s defense was active, forcing turnovers and limiting the Vipers’ offensive flow. However, the momentum began to shift in the third quarter as Los Angeles tightened their defensive grip.
The Vipers, trailing by five heading into the final frame, unleashed an offensive barrage. Zara Ali, who dropped 19 points, ignited the run with a crucial three-pointer, followed by a steal that led to a fast-break layup. Daniel Rojas was a force in the paint and from the perimeter, consistently finding ways to put points on the board. He connected on critical shots down the stretch, including a go-ahead jumper that gave the Vipers the lead they would not relinquish.
“We knew we had to dig deep,” said Rojas after the game. “Montreal played a tough game, but we trusted our process and finally hit some shots. This is a big road win for us.”
Monarchs head coach, Eleanor Vance, lamented the team’s inability to close out the game. “We had them, but Los Angeles made plays when it mattered most. We need to learn from this and be more consistent for a full 48 minutes.”
Key Notes:
- Daniel Rojas (LAV) led all scorers with 25 points.
- Zara Ali (LAV) contributed 19 points and 4 assists.
- Los Angeles Vipers shot an efficient 48.3% from the field.
- Montreal Monarchs struggled from three-point range, hitting only 25.0%.
- The Vipers recorded 11 steals to Montreal’s 6, creating crucial transition opportunities.