LOS ANGELES — Occidental defeated Bethesda University of California, 89-29, at Rush Gymnasium, leading from start to finish. The Tigers connected on 14 three-pointers and dominated the boards with a 55-26 rebounding advantage. Bethesda was held to 18% shooting and scored just four points in the third quarter.

Occidental opened the first quarter with decisive momentum, effectively controlling the pace and capitalizing on turnovers to establish an early lead. Dominique Cabading initiated scoring with a layup, assisted by Ila Giblin, setting the tone for the Tigers' offensive efficiency. The team demonstrated strong defense, forcing six turnovers and converting these opportunities into points, including an impressive fast-break layup by Paige Yasukochi, assisted by Cabading.

Occidental's offensive execution was highlighted by a balanced attack in the paint and beyond the arc, with Cabading hitting a 3-pointer off an assist from Dara Tokeshi. The home team maintained pressure with assists on 12 of their 17 baskets, showcasing efficient ball movement. Emily Ko contributed two 3-pointers, further extending the lead. The quarter concluded with a 3-pointer from Megan Delgado, assisted by Yasukochi, giving the Tigers a commanding 29–7 lead over Bethesda.

Occidental started the second quarter by building on their lead with a strong performance from beyond the arc. Ko hit an early 3-pointer, assisted by Cristina Sepulveda, setting the tone for the quarter. The home team maintained momentum with efficient ball movement, recording seven assists on eight made baskets.

Defensively, the Tigers limited Bethesda to four baskets in the quarter, capitalizing on turnovers to generate fast-break opportunities. Nicole Vanegas contributed crucial points in the paint, supported by Sepulveda's playmaking, and Delgado added to the scoring with timely baskets. The quarter closed with a 3-pointer from Sepulveda, extending Occidental's lead to 48–18.

Occidental surged in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, shooting 12-for-17 from the field and outscoring Bethesda 27–4. The team capitalized on points in the paint, tallying 16, while Yasukochi contributed significantly with defensive rebounds and two blocks. Cabading and Makena Daggett orchestrated scoring opportunities with a combined total of six assists, leading to successful buckets by Giblin and Tokeshi, among others.

Bethesda struggled to keep pace, managing only one basket in the quarter. Their efforts were stifled by Occidental's defense, which limited them to just four points and forced several missed shots. The quarter concluded with a decisive lead for the Tigers at 75–22.

Occidental initiated the fourth quarter with steady offensive execution, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Vanegas at the 9:00 mark, assisted by Sepulveda. The team capitalized on offensive rebounds, allowing Delgado to contribute significantly with a 3-pointer at 7:12, extending the lead.

Defensively, the Tigers maintained pressure, collecting 15 total rebounds in the quarter and limiting Bethesda to just one successful 3-pointer attempt. The home team continued to build their lead, with Delgado again scoring from beyond the arc at 4:53.

In the final minutes, Occidental sustained its momentum with another 3-pointer by Sepulveda at 0:36, closing the quarter with a score of 89-29, securing a decisive victory.

Occidental Top Performers

Emily Ko  
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- 11 points  
- 3/3 three-pointers made  
- 5 assists  
- 2 steals  

Nicole Vanegas  
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- 13 points  
- 6 rebounds  
- 2/3 three-pointers made  

Megan Delgado  
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- 15 points  
- 3/6 three-pointers made  

Cristina Sepulveda  
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- 6 points  
- 3 steals  
- 6 assists  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 6 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 6 rebounds

Occidental improved to 2-1 overall after their decisive win over Bethesda.