LOS ANGELES — Occidental College (4-2) defeated Lewis & Clark College (2-6), 64-45, at Rush Gymnasium, leading from start to finish. The Tigers dominated inside with 40 points in the paint and forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The Pioneers were held to 26% shooting, struggling to gain momentum throughout the game.
Occidental began the first quarter with efficient scoring, highlighted by
Paige Yasukochi's jumper, assisted by
Dominique Cabading, to open the scoring. The team capitalized on the visitors' turnovers, converting them into points and building momentum. A fast-break 3-pointer by
Kayla Ikuma at 6:25, assisted by
Dara Tokeshi, extended the lead to 9–2, forcing the Pioneers to call a timeout.
The Tigers maintained their advantage through a combination of strong rebounding and timely assists.
Emily Ko's jumper pushed the score to 18–11, and after a defensive stop, she capped the quarter with a tip-in at the buzzer. The period concluded with Occidental leading 20–14.
Occidental initiated the second quarter with a strong performance by
Ainsley Shelsta, who secured two offensive rebounds and converted a tip-in, setting the tone for a dominant stretch. Cabading hit a 3-pointer, assisted by Yasukochi, extending the lead further.
Emily Ko and
Ila Giblin contributed with key jumpers, fueling a substantial scoring run.
Yasukochi's defense stood out with a timely steal and a fast-break layup, pushing the home team ahead. Despite a 3-pointer from the Pioneers' Ali McCauley, the Tigers maintained control, as their defensive stops limited the visitors to just six points in the quarter. The period closed with Occidental leading 33–20, thanks to efficient scoring and strong rebounding.
The Tigers opened the third quarter by maintaining control with a strong defensive presence, limiting their opposition to 4 field goals from 17 attempts. Cabading and Tokeshi were instrumental in creating opportunities, with Cabading assisting on a fast-break layup by Giblin at 6:27, extending the Tigers' lead.
Occidental's defense forced five turnovers, translating into seven points off turnovers. Ko's facilitation was crucial, providing multiple assists, including one leading to Tokeshi's jumper at 2:10. The team capitalized on fast breaks, scoring seven points in transition.
By the end of the quarter, Occidental held a 53–32 lead, outscoring the Pioneers 18–12 in the quarter.
Occidental entered the fourth quarter maintaining control with an 18-point lead. Despite an early push from their opponents, which included a quick layup by Divinity Singleton, the Tigers responded effectively. Shelsta's offensive rebound and tip-in at 5:36 reasserted the team's momentum, extending their lead.
The Tigers' defense remained engaged, with a crucial steal by Ko at 3:49, leading to a jumper from Cabading that widened the gap. Ko then secured the final points for Occidental with a jumper at the 24-second mark. The team closed out the quarter and the game, securing a 64–45 victory.
Occidental Top Performers
Paige Yasukochi
----------------------
- 14 points
- 6 assists
- 8 rebounds
Dominique Cabading
----------------------
- 11 points
- 6 rebounds
Ainsley Shelsta
----------------------
- 2 blocks
- 11 rebounds
Emily Ko
----------------------
- 8 points
- 5 assists
- 3 steals
The Tigers improved to 4-2 overall after their victory. The Pioneers are now 2-6 on the season.
Looking ahead, Occidental women's basketball will travel to Las Vegas for the D3Hoops.com Classic and take on Salve Regina on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m.
