LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental fell to Texas Lutheran, 75-54, at Rush Gymnasium on Monday. Despite the Tigers' 11 steals and 18 points off the bench, Texas Lutheran Bulldogs capitalized on a dominant rebounding performance, out-rebounding Occidental 47-30, and a strong presence in the paint, scoring 36 points compared to the Tigers' 18.

Texas Lutheran — an NCAA tournament team from a season ago — opened the game with a 7-0 run, forcing an early Tiger timeout. Paige Yasukochi added two free throws to put the Tigers on the board, followed by a defensive block from Makena Daggett. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Emily Ko's steal leading to a 3-pointer by Kayla Ikuma, narrowing the gap to 13-8.

Despite continued pressure, including a defensive rebound and a fast-break layup from Ikuma, the team trailed at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs maintained their advantage, closing the quarter with a 21-13 lead over Occidental.

Occidental began the third quarter with a defensive stand, forcing the Bulldogs into eight turnovers. Ko initiated a scoring surge with a three-pointer at 8:02, followed by Dara Tokeshi's jumper, assisted by Ko, narrowing the gap. A fast-break layup by Yasukochi at 6:01, again assisted by Ko, continued the momentum for the Tigers.

The team capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities, highlighted by Dominique Cabading's defensive block and multiple steals. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts to maintain their lead with points in the paint, the Tigers concluded the quarter by trimming the deficit to 52–35.

Occidental initiated the quarter with a defensive focus, producing five steals and capitalizing on turnovers to generate scoring opportunities. Ko's three-pointer at 8:02 and subsequent defensive steal set the tone for a series of successful possessions, including a fast-break layup by Yasukochi at 6:01. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts in the paint, the Tigers maintained pressure, leading to multiple turnovers by the visitors.

The quarter concluded with the Tigers narrowing the deficit, highlighted by Ila Giblin's fast-break layup with 41 seconds left. With strong defensive plays and capitalizing on turnovers, the Tigers outscored the Bulldogs 12-8 in the third quarter, closing it at 52-35 in favor of the visitors.

Occidental began the fourth quarter with a defensive effort, highlighted by Ko's steal at 7:44. However, missed opportunities on offense allowed the Bulldogs to extend their lead, with a significant scoring contribution in the paint.

The Tigers responded with a scoring burst, as Yasukochi and Tokeshi connected on three-pointers, cutting into the deficit. Cabading added a fast-break layup, showcasing effective ball movement with assists from Yasukochi.

Despite a late push, including a jumper by Giblin, the Tigers couldn't overcome the gap. The period ended with the Bulldogs maintaining their advantage, closing the game with a 75-54 victory.

Occidental Top Performers

Emily Ko  
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- 3 points  
- 5 steals  
- 6 assists  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 9 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 7 rebounds  

Makena Daggett  
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- 5 points  
- 8 rebounds  
- 1 block  

Kayla Ikuma  
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- 9 points  
- 2 steals  
- 3 rebounds

Occidental is now 0-1 overall following the game against Texas Lutheran. The Bulldogs improve to 4-1 on the season.