LOS ANGELES — Occidental (5-4, 0-0 SCIAC) defeated St. Joseph's (ME) (5-7, 0-0 Great Northeast), 70-58, at Rush Gymnasium. The Tigers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 33 points off 25 St. Joseph's giveaways. The home team maintained a strong presence in the paint with 36 points and secured the win with a 22-point fourth quarter. The Monks struggled in the third quarter, managing only seven points.

Occidental opened the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, generating three steals and two blocks, which helped establish an early rhythm. Emily Ko's playmaking was crucial, recording multiple assists and contributing a fast-break layup. Ainsley Shelsta added key points in the paint, including a free throw with 25 seconds left, ensuring Occidental held a slight edge.

St. Joseph's kept pace with consistent scoring from the paint and the perimeter, maintaining pressure with several ties throughout the quarter. However, the Tigers' balanced attack and timely defensive stops allowed them to close the quarter ahead 19–18.

The second quarter began with Occidental maintaining slight control early, with Nicole Vanegas scoring on a jumper to keep the lead at 21–18. Shelsta continued the momentum with a layup, assisted by Paige Yasukochi, to extend the advantage to 25–22. However, the Monks responded with a series of baskets, including a three-pointer by Madison Lebel, leveling the score at 25–25.

Midway through the quarter, Dominique Cabading capitalized on a defensive steal to score a layup, giving Occidental a 27–25 edge. St. Joseph's countered with a scoring surge, including a three-pointer from Emily Adams, pulling ahead 32–27. Despite efforts from the Tigers, including defensive rebounds and steals, the visitors extended their lead, closing the quarter with a score of 34–27 in favor of St. Joseph's, who outscored Occidental 16–8 in the frame.

Occidental began the third quarter on a strong note, initiating a scoring drive with Emily Ko's timely 3-pointer assisted by Paige Yasukochi at 6:42. This momentum continued with Shelsta converting a layup, assisted by Dara Tokeshi, cutting the deficit to 36–33.

As the quarter progressed, Ko's sharp shooting from beyond the arc at 4:01 and 2:46, the latter assisted by Cabading, helped Occidental tie the game at 41. The team capitalized on turnovers by St. Joseph's, maintaining defensive pressure and keeping the visitors from scoring.

In the closing minutes, the Tigers took the lead with Ila Giblin's layup, assisted by Ko, and Cabading's critical basket at 0:05. Giblin sealed the quarter with a layup and free throw, extending the lead to 48–41 by the end of the third quarter.

Occidental began the fourth quarter with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by Yasukochi's jumper assisted by Ko just 12 seconds in. Ko continued to make an impact with a steal leading to a 3-pointer shortly after, extending the lead. Defensive pressure was maintained throughout, as the team capitalized on turnovers and limited St. Joseph's to minimal second-chance opportunities.

Midway through the quarter, the Tigers increased their advantage with Tokeshi converting a 3-pointer, again assisted by Ko. The home team effectively controlled the paint, scoring several key baskets including a fast-break layup by Yasukochi. St. Joseph's responded with a few scoring plays, but turnovers hindered their ability to close the gap.

Occidental closed the quarter confidently, finishing with a fast-break layup by Yasukochi, assisted by Cabading, to solidify their lead. The team's defensive stops were crucial in maintaining control, concluding the quarter with a 22–17 advantage, and securing a final score of 70–58.

Occidental Top Performers

Emily Ko
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- 21 points
- 5 3-pointers
- 6 assists
- 4 steals

Ainsley Shelsta
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- 14 points
- 5/6 field goals made
- 5 rebounds
- 1 block

Dara Tokeshi
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- 11 points
- 2 3-pointers
- 4 assists
- 2 steals

Paige Yasukochi
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- 9 points
- 6 rebounds
- 1 block

Occidental improved to 5-4 overall with no conference games played yet. The Monks are now 5-7 overall, also without any conference matchups.

Looking ahead, Occidental will resume conference play as they travel to face Whittier on Saturday, Jan. 3. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at Whittier in Whittier, California.