LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental (11-3, 4-1 SCIAC) decisively defeated Pomona-Pitzer (5-8, 1-4 SCIAC) with a final score of 89-60 on Wednesday night at Rush Gymnasium. Occidental's strong first half, scoring 57 points, set the pace for the victory.
It was the first time since 2020 that the Tigers beat Pomona-Pitzer. The previous largest margin of victory came in 2007 when Oxy beat the Hens by 16 points. This marks the largest win in the modern era.
Occidental started the first half strong with a 3-pointer by
Peter Noble following a turnover by Pomona-Pitzer.
Alex McCleery Brown's consistent scoring, including a fast-break layup at 16:42, helped build an early lead.
Nasir Luna added to the offensive momentum with a jumper at 15:42, extending the Tigers' advantage. Despite occasional defensive fouls, Occidental's pressure resulted in multiple Sagehen turnovers. The half concluded with a commanding 57-17 lead for the Tigers.
Occidental maintained control throughout the second half, with a standout performance from Luna, who contributed a layup and a three-pointer within the early minutes. McCleery Brown added consistent scoring with multiple layups, aided by assists from
Atticus Boba, ensuring the Tigers' lead remained substantial. Despite Pomona-Pitzer's attempts to close the gap with several 3-pointers, Occidental's robust defense and efficient offense enabled them to finish the half ahead, 89–60. The game concluded with the Tigers securing a decisive victory, 89–60.
McCleery Brown led the team with 20 points, shooting 8 of 10 from the field, and added nine rebounds and three steals. Luna contributed 21 points, including three 3-pointers, and provided two assists. Boba excelled in playmaking, dishing out seven assists and collecting five rebounds. Noble added to the perimeter attack with three 3-pointers, finishing with nine points and four rebounds.
Occidental improved to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in SCIAC play following their victory. The Sagehens are now 5-8 overall and 1-4 in SCIAC competition.
