LOS ANGELES — Occidental College (3-2, 0-0 SCIAC) fell to Willamette University (3-6, 0-1 NWC), 65-56, at Rush Gymnasium. The Tigers narrowed the gap with a 25-point third quarter, their highest of the game, but Willamette's 10 three-pointers and a 21-point surge in the final quarter secured the victory. Despite the Tigers' 34 points in the paint, they struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 3 of 10 attempts.

Occidental began the first quarter by trading early baskets with the Bearcats, highlighted by layups from Dominique Cabading and Paige Yasukochi. Despite these efforts, the team struggled to find consistent scoring, converting only 3 of 18 field goal attempts. Strong rebounding on both ends, including several offensive rebounds by Ila Giblin, provided multiple second-chance opportunities, though few were capitalized upon.

Willamette gained momentum with timely shooting, including two 3-pointers by Alexis Dockter, and utilized quick ball movement to assist on six of their eight field goals. The quarter closed with the Bearcats extending their lead, ending the quarter with an 18-7 advantage.

Occidental began the second quarter with a quick layup by Emily Ko at 9:49, cutting into the visitors' lead. The home team capitalized on three steals, generating additional scoring opportunities, including a 3-pointer by Dara Tokeshi at 6:40 that kept the pressure on Willamette. Despite turnovers and missed shots, the Tigers' defense remained active, highlighted by Ainsley Shelsta's block at 4:40 and Kayla Ikuma's steal at 1:55.

As the quarter progressed, Willamette countered with three successful 3-point shots, maintaining their edge. Occidental closed the quarter with a solid defensive rebound by Shelsta and a jumper from Ko with only one second remaining on the clock. By the end of the quarter, the score stood at Willamette 33, Occidental 20, with the home team trailing yet continuing to demonstrate resilience on both ends of the court.

Occidental started the third quarter by capitalizing on a turnover by Willamette's Kaitlin Imai, which led to a layup from Kayla Ikuma assisted by Yasukochi. The Tigers continued to build momentum with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Tokeshi, further cutting into the visitors' lead.

Occidental's defense played a pivotal role, forcing four turnovers and securing seven defensive rebounds. Cabading contributed on both ends with a key defensive rebound followed by a layup, adding to their scoring run. The quarter was characterized by effective ball movement, as evidenced by eight assists, including Yasukochi's setup for an Ikuma three-pointer that narrowed the gap.

As the quarter concluded, the Tigers' offensive efforts culminated in a layup by Shelsta, assisted by Ikuma, which gave the home team a 45-44 lead over Willamette.

Occidental started the fourth quarter by briefly reclaiming the lead with a layup from Giblin, assisted by Ko, tying the score at 47. Ko continued to influence the quarter by converting a crucial three-pointer at 6:41, pushing the home team ahead 50–47. Subsequent scoring from Cabading and Shelsta extended the lead to 54–47 halfway through the quarter.

Despite the strong start, the Bearcats responded with a scoring surge, including a fast-break three-pointer by Dockter. This sequence allowed the visitors to regain momentum and take the lead 57–56 with under three minutes remaining. The Tigers struggled to find the basket in the closing minutes, missing several free throws, which contributed to a 21–11 quarter in Willamette's favor. The game concluded with a final score of 65–56 in favor of the visitors.

Occidental Top Performers  

Kayla Ikuma  
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- 8 points  
- 4 assists  
- 2 steals  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 8 points  
- 5 assists  
- 9 rebounds  

Ainsley Shelsta  
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- 11 points  
- 5 rebounds

Occidental stands at 3-2 overall in their current season. Willamette holds a 3-6 overall record and is 0-1 in NWC competition.

Up next for the Tigers is a home matchup against Lewis and Clark on Saturday, Dec. 20. The game tips off at 1 p.m. at Rush Gym.