LOS ANGELES, CA — Occidental (7-8, 2-4 SCIAC) defeated Whittier (7-9, 2-6 SCIAC), 73-67, at Rush Gymnasium with a 24-point surge in the fourth quarter. Occidental capitalized on Whittier's 18 turnovers, converting them into 25 points.

Occidental opened the first quarter with a quick start, highlighted by Paige Yasukochi's jumper assisted by Kayla Ikuma at 8:42. The teams exchanged leads throughout, with Yasukochi hitting a 3-pointer at 2:22 to pull the Tigers within two. Despite a late jumper from Emily Ko with just two seconds remaining, the Tigers trailed 16-14 at the end of the quarter.

Occidental seized control early in the second quarter with a pivotal 3-pointer by Emily Ko at 8:56, assisted by Dominique Cabading, which ignited a scoring run. A fastbreak layup by Micah Elegores, complemented by a free throw, extended the Tigers' advantage to 20-18 at 6:53. Ko's play, combined with active defensive efforts resulting in three steals, allowed the Tigers to outpace the Poets. Dara Tokeshi further solidified the lead with a 3-pointer at 5:53, assisted by Elegores. Occidental finished the quarter strong with consistent defensive rebounding and a layup by Yasukochi in the final minute. The quarter concluded with the Tigers leading 33-24.

Oxy surged early in the third quarter, highlighted by Cabading's three-pointer at 8:10, extending their lead to 36-27. Yasukochi contributed with a key jumper at 6:20, supported by Tokeshi's assist, maintaining the momentum. Despite the Poets' attempts to close the gap, including a three-pointer by Kennedy Perkins at 1:52, Occidental held firm. Ikuma's late layup at 1:19 secured a 49-45 advantage by the end of the quarter.

The Tigers took control early in the fourth quarter when Yasukochi sank a 3-pointer at 7:07, pushing the lead to three. This was followed by a layup from Ila Giblin, building momentum and extending the lead further. Despite the Poets' attempts to close the gap, including a jumper from Shushan Krikorian, Occidental maintained their advantage through consistent scoring and defensive rebounds. Cabading contributed crucial free throws in the final minute, solidifying the lead for the Tigers. Ko added two more points from the line with 25 seconds remaining, ensuring Occidental's victory. The game concluded with a final score of 73-67 in favor of the Tigers.

Yasukochi led the team with 18 points, converting 8 of 17 field goal attempts. Cabading contributed with 14 points and recorded six assists. Giblin collected 10 rebounds, splitting them evenly between offensive and defensive boards. Tokeshi added nine points, while also registering two blocks and two steals.

Occidental stands at 7-8 overall and 2-4 in SCIAC competition following their victory. Whittier now holds a 7-9 overall record and 2-6 in SCIAC play after the close contest.

In their next matchup, Occidental will travel to Chapman on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The game is set for 7 p.m. in Orange, California.