ORANGE, Calif. — Occidental College (8-8, 3-4 SCIAC) defeated Chapman University (10-6, 4-4 SCIAC) 79-59 at Hutton Sports Center. The Tigers' shooting efficiency, converting 50% from the field, and a 42-40 edge in rebounds were pivotal in the victory. Chapman managed to stay close in the first half, but Occidental pulled away with a dominant 23-12 final quarter, securing the conference win.

Occidental began the first quarter with a strong offensive performance, quickly finding success in the paint. Paige Yasukochi led an early surge, contributing a jumper and a layup to help secure a lead. Despite turnovers, Dominique Cabading's 3-pointer at 3:34 extended the advantage. The Panthers' efforts to close the gap were countered by Emily Ko's layup with 38 seconds remaining. The Tigers finished the quarter ahead, 20-16.

Oxy maintained a steady performance in the second quarter, highlighted by Yasukochi's crucial 3-pointer at 4:29 that tied the game at 31–31. They briefly took the lead with Yasukochi's layup, assisted by Ila Giblin, at 3:56, pushing the score to 33–31. Despite Chapman's efforts to regain momentum, Cabading's layup at 1:06 extended the lead to four points. The quarter ended with both teams scoring 19 points apiece, leaving the game tied at halftime, 39–39.

Occidental seized momentum early in the third quarter with Cabading's layup at 9:01, widening their advantage to four points. Yasukochi contributed significantly, converting a layup at 7:39 following a steal, which extended the lead further. Ko added to the drive with a layup at 6:37 and assisted Dara Tokeshi's 3-pointer at 6:18, pushing the lead to 50-41. Despite Chapman's attempts to close the gap, the Tigers maintained control, finishing the quarter ahead 56-47.

The Tigers secured their victory in the final quarter with a decisive 23–12 run, extending their lead with strategic plays in the paint and from the free-throw line. Nicole Vanegas contributed significantly, recovering an offensive rebound and converting a layup at 9:15, which helped to maintain their momentum. At 7:30, Cabading's 3-pointer further increased the lead, prompting a timeout from Chapman. Ko's jumper at 5:41 expanded the gap to 66–54, while Tokeshi's late 3-pointer at 2:28 ensured Occidental maintained control. The game concluded with the Tigers securing a 79–59 victory.

Yasukochi led with 22 points, converting 9 of 14 field goal attempts, and secured 12 rebounds. Tokeshi contributed 15 points, including two 3-pointers, while adding two assists. Cabading scored 13 points and recorded four assists, complementing her five rebounds. Ko finished with 12 points and collected seven rebounds, alongside two assists.

Occidental improved to 8-8 overall and 3-4 in SCIAC play after their victory. Chapman is now 10-6 overall and 4-4 in SCIAC competition.

Looking ahead, the Tigers will face Redlands on Saturday, Jan. 24. The game is set for 7 p.m. in Redlands, California.