LANCASTER, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2007) – Occidental College men's basketball defeated a much improved West Coast Baptist squad, 71-63, in front of a packed house in Lancaster, Calif. tonight.

The Tigers were led by senior Connor Whitman's 27 point performance (7-13 from three point range) and sophomore transfer Sean Anderson who shot 8-15 from the field en route to 17 points while grabbing seven rebounds.

"It was a good start to the season,” said Head Coach Brian Newhall. “Whitman and Anderson both stepped up and played excellent games."

Overall the Tigers were 43% from the field on 26-for-60 shooting. They were 36% from long range and 78% (11-14) from the free throw line. Oxy recorded 20 assists, six steals and five blocks while committing 11 turnovers.

The Tigers out rebounded the Eagles 47-34 with 13 offensive boards. Chris Pitcher led the way for Oxy with nine rebounds. Whitman and Gemayal McBride pulled down five apiece and Chris Hunt tallied three.

McBride dished out five assists as Pitcher and Hunt each had three.

West Coast Baptist's 6-foot-10 center led the way for the Eagles with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.  Guards John Sisson and Danny Galdamez chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively.

The Tiger's are back in action Saturday, Nov. 17 at nationally ranked Azusa Pacific with tipoff slated for 7:30 p.m.