PASADENA, Calif. — Occidental (1-0, 0-0 SCIAC) secured a decisive 106-74 victory over Caltech (0-1, 0-0 SCIAC) at Braun Athletic Center on Saturday night. The Tigers dominated the paint, scoring 58 points inside and collecting 53 rebounds in the win.
Occidental opened the game with a strong offensive push, led by
Ethan Hanning, who scored the first four points and added an early layup assisted by
Alex McCleery Brown, establishing an initial 6–0 edge. This momentum continued as the Tigers dominated inside the paint, scoring 28 points, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 16 points.
Nasir Luna contributed eight points, including a 3-pointer at 6:17, pushing their lead to 39–21.
Occidental maintained their advantage with a solid rebounding effort, securing 31 total rebounds compared to the Beavers' 12.
Peter Noble added to the scoring with five free throws, and McCleery Brown bolstered the lead with layups, closing the first half with a 52–36 advantage.
Occidental extended their lead early in the second half with a series of efficient plays, including a layup by McCleery Brown at 18:50, assisted by
Nicky Clotfelter. They continued their dominance with a fast-break layup from McCleery Brown at 17:58, increasing their advantage. Caltech struggled to respond effectively, as Occidental's defense forced several turnovers, contributing to a commanding score of 54-38 for the half. The visitors outperformed Caltech in shooting, making 21 of 38 field goals, and concluded the game with a decisive 106-74 victory, securing their lead throughout the half.
McCleery Brown scored 21 points, making 10 of 13 field goal attempts and adding four steals. Hanning contributed 15 points while shooting 7 for 9 from the field and grabbing six rebounds. Luna also tallied 15 points, converting all eight of his free throw attempts and dishing out six assists. Clotfelter recorded eight assists and collected eight rebounds.
The Tigers take the Rush Gym floor for the first time this season on Saturday, November 15 to take on Pacific (Ore.) at 7 p.m.
