LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental College edged the University of Puget Sound, 60-58, at Rush Gymnasium. The Tigers secured the victory with a strong fourth quarter, outscoring the Loggers 20-16. The home team capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 20 of 26 attempts. The Loggers dominated the boards with a 50-28 rebounding advantage but were unable to overcome late turnovers.

Occidental began the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing five turnovers and converting them into six fast break points. Dominique Cabading's early jumper tied the game at 2-2, setting the tone for a tightly contested start. Paige Yasukochi contributed significantly by scoring a layup and a 3-pointer, helping the Tigers maintain a lead. The team effectively utilized assists, with four in the quarter, to facilitate scoring opportunities.

As the quarter progressed, Occidental capitalized on turnovers and rebounding, with Yasukochi and Dara Tokeshi adding crucial baskets to extend the lead to 19-10. Despite Puget Sound's efforts, including a late layup by Claire Thompson, the Tigers held a 19-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Occidental managed to maintain their momentum in the second quarter with a solid offensive effort. Early in the quarter, Tokeshi scored a layup, assisted by Cabading, contributing to a brief lead. The Tigers capitalized on free throws as Tokeshi converted two following a foul, extending their edge. Despite the Loggers' efforts in the paint, Yasukochi's crucial 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining regained the lead for Occidental.

The quarter saw a balanced exchange, with both teams tying the game multiple times. However, Occidental closed the quarter with a narrow 30-27 lead, thanks to Yasukochi's late scoring and a steady defensive presence.

The third quarter began with the Tigers maintaining a slight advantage as they capitalized on free-throw opportunities, with Kayla Ikuma and Nicole Vanegas each contributing from the line to extend the lead to 36–31. Puget Sound narrowed the gap with a series of rebounds and a key layup by Cayton Smith, bringing the score closer. The Tigers struggled with field goals, missing all seven attempts, but managed to stay competitive through consistent free-throw shooting.

As the quarter progressed, Puget Sound's Hailey Quiggle hit a crucial 3-pointer, which allowed the visitors to take a narrow lead. Despite the close contest, the Tigers remained resilient at the free-throw line, yet the Loggers' late free throw by Mele Sake secured their advantage. The quarter concluded with the Loggers leading 42–40.

Occidental initiated the final quarter with a layup by Cabading to tie the score at 42. Shortly after, Ikuma's 3-pointer, assisted by Emily Ko, shifted the momentum to give the Tigers a 45–43 lead. The team capitalized on free throws by Yasukochi and Tokeshi to extend the advantage to 50–43.

In response, Puget Sound closed the gap with back-to-back baskets, narrowing the score to 50–49. However, Occidental maintained their edge as Cabading hit another 3-pointer, followed by a layup to push the lead to 57–51. Ko's 3-pointer at 2:09 further solidified the lead at 60–53.

The Loggers attempted a comeback with a late 3-pointer, reducing the deficit to 60–58. Despite a late turnover, the Tigers managed to hold their ground as the game ended with Sake's missed layup, securing a 60–58 victory for Occidental.

Occidental Top Performers  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 22 points  
- 3 3-pointers  
- 5/6 free throws made  
- 2 steals  

Dominique Cabading  
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- 11 points  
- 4 assists  
- 2 steals  

Dara Tokeshi  
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- 10 points  
- 4/4 free throws made  
- 3 rebounds  

The Tigers are now 1-1 overall after the victory. The Loggers stand at 4-2 on the season. Read Full Article