CLAREMONT, Calif. — Occidental (6-7, 1-3 SCIAC) fell to Pomona-Pitzer (8-6, 3-2 SCIAC), 63-59, despite maintaining a rebounding advantage with 42 boards. Occidental led by as many as six points but was unable to overcome 23 turnovers in the league matchup.

Occidental opened the game with a focus on scoring in the paint, accumulating 12 points inside while balancing their offense. Dominique Cabading and Paige Yasukochi each contributed crucial jumpers early, helping the Tigers maintain a narrow lead. Dara Tokeshi's jumper at 3:21 and Emily Ko's layup at 2:52 briefly secured a three-point advantage. Despite a late surge from Pomona-Pitzer, Micah Elegores scored a critical jumper with seven seconds remaining, giving the Tigers a 16–15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Occidental established control in the second quarter with a balanced offensive performance, highlighted by Yasukochi's layup on a fast break at 4:11. The visiting team capitalized on Pomona-Pitzer's turnovers, converting them into crucial points in the paint. The Tigers' defense held firm, limiting Pomona-Pitzer to 4 field goals during the quarter. With consistent scoring from beyond the arc, including a 3-pointer by Kayla Ikuma at 1:06, the Tigers expanded their lead. The quarter concluded with the Tigers outscoring Pomona-Pitzer 19–12, bringing the score to 35–27 in favor of the visitors.

Occidental initially extended their lead with Yasukochi's jumper at 9:05, pushing the score to 38-27. However, turnovers began to shift the momentum, allowing Pomona-Pitzer to close the gap significantly. Despite a jumper by Ila Giblin at 5:43, the team struggled with ball control, committing eight turnovers during the quarter. Pomona-Pitzer capitalized on these opportunities, overtaking the lead with Emily Lee's layup at 1:23. The quarter concluded with Pomona-Pitzer ahead, 45-42.

Occidental made a late push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Megan Delgado with 23 seconds remaining, assisted by Ko, to narrow the gap to 59–56. Despite a subsequent 3-pointer by Delgado in the final second, the team was unable to overcome Pomona-Pitzer's lead. Occidental's defense forced turnovers and secured rebounds, but Pomona-Pitzer's consistent scoring in the paint and success at the free-throw line maintained their edge. The game concluded with Pomona-Pitzer securing a 63–59 victory.

Cabading nearly recorded a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds and added five assists. Delgado scored 11 points and made three 3-pointers. Yasukochi tallied 14 points and finished with two steals. Giblin collected eight rebounds and contributed seven points.

Occidental is now 6-7 overall and 1-3 in SCIAC competition. Pomona-Pitzer moves to 8-6 overall and 3-2 in SCIAC play. The Tigers return to Rush Gym on Saturday to take on Cal Lutheran at 4 p.m.