WHITTIER, CA — Occidental (13-3, 6-1) secured a narrow victory over Whittier (11-6, 4-4) with an 89-83 win on Monday night at Dave Jacobs Court. Occidental's strong performance at the free-throw line, converting 87.5 percent of their attempts, contributed significantly to the win.
Occidental started strong with a 37–34 lead over Whittier by the end of the first half. Despite an early 6-point deficit, the Tigers quickly found their rhythm, with
Nasir Luna contributing a pivotal 3-pointer at 18:03.
Peter Noble added back-to-back 3-pointers, including one at 6:17, to extend their lead to 10 points. The Poets responded but could not close the gap entirely, and Alex Mccleery Brown's layup with 11 seconds left ensured Occidental's lead at the break.
Oxy gained momentum midway through the second half, tying the score at 44 with Alex Mccleery Brown's two successful free throws at 15:03. Luna contributed significantly, maintaining offensive pressure with a key jumper and assisting on multiple plays, including a layup by
Nicky Clotfelter that tied the game at 57. Despite these efforts, Whittier managed to keep the lead, using their bench strength to extend their advantage to six points with 10:08 left. The half ended in a deadlock at 69, setting the stage for a tense finish. The Poets held a slight second-half edge, outscoring Occidental 35–32.
The Tigers took control in the final stretch with a series of key plays, starting with
Nicky Clotfelter's defensive rebound leading to a free throw that tied the game at 70 with 4:26 remaining. Luna then hit a jumper to give Occidental a narrow lead, which was followed by Alex Mccleery Brown's offensive rebound and tip-in to extend the advantage.
The lead changed hands several times, but Occidental secured the edge as
Perry Rainey and
Jacob Koretz combined for crucial free throws in the final minute. Despite Whittier's late 3-pointer by Bryce Whitaker, Occidental maintained composure and closed out the game strong. The game ended with Occidental triumphing over the Poets, 89–83.
Luna led the Tigers with 25 points, shooting 10 for 10 from the free-throw line and adding six assists, once again knocking down clutch buckets against the Poets. Mccleery Brown contributed 12 points and recorded three steals while securing nine rebounds. Clotfelter added 13 points and collected seven rebounds, converting five of nine attempts from the field.
Perry Rainey also knocked down one of the late overtime baskets for the Tigers, totaling 19 points, a new career-high for the first-year guard.
Occidental improved to 13-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play with the victory. In their next game, Occidental will host Chapman on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at their home venue in Los Angeles, California.
