LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2007) – Near the end there was hope, but the ball bounced in favor of the Panthers in the Occidental College season home opener as they fell 80-72 to Chapman University in non-conference action tonight at Rush Gymnasium.

Chapman took a 37-35 halftime lead, jumping out to a 14 point advantage with 11:10 to play. Oxy chipped away and tied the game at 67 with just under four minutes remaining in regulation. The Panthers went on an 8-2 run, taking a 75-69 lead with 47 seconds to go. Although the Tigers would pull within five points at 77-72, Tigers turnovers coupled with Panther free throws left Chapman with the lead when time expired.

Freshman guard Stephanie Babij recorded her first collegiate double-double, leading the Tigers with a 22 point, 11 rebound performance. From the field she was 8-for-9, sinking her only attempt from long range, and added a 5-for-6 performance at the charity stripe. Her 11 rebounds led all players. Defensively she was a menace to the Panthers with three blocks and eight boards.

Also reaching double figure scoring was senior guard Stacie Roshon with17, while sophomore Laura Mohler and junior transfer Brianne Brown chipped in with 13 apiece. Brown also dished out five assists and Brittinee Yasukochi finished with four.

Lauren Kamiyama led all players with 33 points (12-13 from the free throw line), adding a team high five assists. Hayley MacArthur finished with a team leading five rebounds for Chapman.

Oxy out rebounded Chapman 35-29, with 14 coming on the offensive side of the court. The Tigers shot 47.7% from the field, but were only 3-13 from beyond the arc.

Occidental will be back in action on Saturday when they host Menlo College at 5:00 p.m. in Rush Gymnasium.