Women's Basketball | 12/16/2025 7:42:00 PM

Box Score LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental (3-1, 0-0 SCIAC) defeated Westminster College (MO) (2-9, 2-1 SLIAC), 74-53, at Rush Gymnasium. The Tigers never trailed, establishing a commanding 23-6 lead in the first quarter. The home team capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off 19 Westminster miscues. Occidental dominated inside, posting a 44-28 advantage in paint points.

Occidental surged ahead in the first quarter, opening with efficient scoring and strong defense. Dara Tokeshi initiated the momentum with a fast-break layup at 8:33, assisted by Dominique Cabading, setting the tone early. Paige Yasukochi added to the lead with multiple layups, contributing significantly to the team's points in the paint. Emily Ko's performance included a crucial 3-pointer at 3:15, further extending the advantage.

The Tigers capitalized on Westminster's turnovers, forcing six in the quarter, and converting those opportunities into eight points. Occidental's defensive rebounding prevented second-chance points, while Ila Giblin's late layup followed by Megan Delgado's buzzer-beater 3-pointer sealed a commanding 23–6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Occidental held firm in the second quarter, maintaining their lead against Westminster. Ko and Cabading were pivotal, each contributing timely layups to keep the home team ahead. Midway through the quarter, Kayla Ikuma drained a critical 3-pointer, extending the gap to 32-11. Despite a strong effort from Westminster, including seven points off turnovers, Occidental's defensive rebounding limited their scoring opportunities.

As the quarter progressed, Occidental's bench added valuable points, with Nicole Vanegas scoring in the paint to secure a steady lead. Though Westminster managed to tie the quarter score at 17-17, Occidental closed the half maintaining a comfortable lead, 40-23, showcasing a balanced offensive and defensive effort.

Occidental began the third quarter with a strong offensive surge, establishing momentum early. Yasukochi contributed significantly, sinking a free throw and assisting a fast-break 3-pointer by Ikuma at 8:35, extending the lead. Defensive pressure led to three steals, aiding in a 9–0 run that included fast-break layups by Giblin and Tokeshi.

Westminster responded with points in the paint, but Occidental maintained control. Cabading hit a crucial 3-pointer at 3:25, while Cristina Sepulveda's free throws at 1:40 helped sustain the lead. The quarter closed with Occidental leading 62–39, outscoring Westminster 22–16.

Occidental started the fourth quarter with a solid defensive stance, securing three key steals. Despite Westminster's early layup, Vanegas answered with a layup, maintaining their lead. Cabading added two free throws at 7:59, stretching the advantage further.

Makena Daggett contributed with a jumper and a layup, while Yasukochi followed with a tip-in, extending Occidental's lead. Ko's defensive efforts included two steals, which helped sustain their momentum. Sepulveda capped the quarter with a jumper, keeping Occidental ahead.

Although Westminster narrowed the gap by scoring 14 points in the quarter, Occidental's consistent scoring ensured they held the advantage, concluding the game with a 74-53 victory.

Occidental Top Performers  

Emily Ko  
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- 11 points  
- 5 rebounds  
- 2 steals  
- 3 assists  

Kayla Ikuma  
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- 11 points  
- 7 rebounds  
- 3 steals  
- 3 assists  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 11 points  
- 6 rebounds  
- Perfect 5/5 field goals  

Occidental holds a 3-1 overall record in the current season. Westminster stands at 2-9 overall and 2-1 in SLIAC play.