LOS ANGELES, CA — Occidental College (6-8, 1-4 SCIAC) fell to California Lutheran University (13-3, 5-2 SCIAC), 68-63, in a close conference matchup on Saturday evening. The Tigers' 13 steals highlighted a strong defensive effort despite the loss.

Occidental opened the game with a strong offensive start, highlighted by a fast-break jumper from Kayla Ikuma at 9:28, putting them on the board first. The home team maintained momentum with precise ball movement, with Dominique Cabading assisting on multiple key plays, including a go-ahead 3-pointer by Dara Tokeshi at 7:14. Despite the Kingsmen's efforts to keep the score close, the Tigers' effective scoring in the paint and defensive rebounding allowed them to finish the quarter ahead, leading 16–13.

The Tigers found momentum midway through the second quarter with Cabading scoring a fastbreak layup at 5:11 to narrow the gap. Megan Delgado added a critical 3-pointer with 4:14 left, assisted by Nicole Vanegas, to keep the Tigers within range. Despite their efforts, Cal Lutheran managed to pull ahead, closing the quarter with a 36-31 lead. The Kingsmen outscored Occidental 23-15 in the quarter, maintaining a slight edge as the game continued.

Occidental made a push in the third quarter with key contributions from Paige Yasukochi, who hit a 3-pointer at the 1:02 mark that not only cut into the Cal Lu lead but also marked her 1,000th career point as a Tiger. Yasukochi then added a layup at the 0:41 mark of the quarter. Ila Giblin and Cabading also found success inside, each scoring on layups to keep the game within reach. Despite these efforts, Cal Lutheran maintained a narrow edge, closing the quarter with a 54–47 lead.

Oxy made a strong push early in the fourth quarter, narrowing Cal Lutheran's lead with a series of key plays. Dara Tokeshi's three-point play at 8:33, followed by Emily Ko's fast-break layup and subsequent three-pointer, brought the Tigers within three points by 7:52. Despite tying the game at 59 with Cabading's two free throws at 5:47, Occidental struggled to maintain momentum as Cal Lutheran responded.

In the final minutes, Ko's jumper at 0:54 kept the Tigers within one possession, but Cal Lutheran managed to extend their lead with a late jumper and free throws. The game concluded with Cal Lutheran securing a 68-63 victory.

Yasukochi led the team with 12 points, four steals, and six assists. Cabading contributed eight points while grabbing seven rebounds and adding three steals. Giblin finished with 10 points, securing five rebounds and recording a block. Ko added to the defensive effort with two steals and seven points.

Occidental holds a 6-8 overall record and is 1-4 in SCIAC play. Cal Lutheran stands at 13-3 overall and 5-2 in SCIAC competition.

In their next game, the Tigers will face Whittier on Monday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. in Rush Gymnasium in Los Angeles, California.