Occidental used a solid second half to put away UC-Santa Cruz 73-57 Saturday at the Tiger-Panther Classic in Orange, Calif.  Now 5-2, the Tigers will face Chapman in the tournament championship tomorrow Dec. 31 at the Hutton Sports Center.  Tip-off is scheduled for 3pm.

The Tigers' talented crop of first-years took control of the game with an 12-2 rally early in the second half.    Brittany Mally started the run with a jumper at the 15-minute mark and a pair of free throws from Dior Williams increased the Tigers' lead to 46-34.   

Gillian Nugent knocked down a jumper with 13:55 remaining and Stacie Roshon '08 gave Occidental a 56-36 lead with a three-pointer moments later. 

The Tigers continued to get solid play from point guards Laura Mohler '10 and Brittinee Yasukochi '10, who combined for 19 points, ten assists, and four steals.   Mohler hit a long three at the buzzer to give Occidental a seven-point advantage at halftime.  

Both teams attempted 20 three-pointers in the game; the Tigers made seven while the Banana Slugs converted six.   Megan Gaynor led UC-Santa Cruz with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Chapman mounted a 20-4 second half run to defeat Franklin College (IN) 78-59 in the tournament opener.   The Panthers downed Occidental 67-52 in the last meeting between the two schools, Jan. 21, 2002.