REDLANDS, Calif. — Occidental College (8-8, 3-4) fell to the University of Redlands (12-4, 5-3), 73-61 on Saturday night in Currier Gym.
Occidental began the first quarter on the back foot, trailing by six points at 6:38. However,
Dominique Cabading sparked a shift with a fast-break 3-pointer at 6:17, narrowing the gap. The team continued to chip away, with
Paige Yasukochi's jumper at 0:47 bringing them within one point. In the final seconds,
Kayla Ikuma's layup at 0:05 secured a lead. The Tigers ended the quarter ahead 11-10.
Oxy seized momentum in the second quarter with a strong start, highlighted by
Makena Daggett's layup at 9:22 and Ikuma's follow-up layup at 8:39, pushing their lead.
Emily Ko contributed significantly with a jumper and a layup, maintaining Occidental's advantage. The pivotal moment came when
Micah Elegores sank a 3-pointer at 1:10, giving the Tigers their largest lead of the quarter at seven points. Despite a late push by Redlands, Occidental maintained their edge, closing the quarter ahead 26-23.
The Tigers shifted momentum midway through the third quarter with a pivotal 3-pointer by Ko at 3:46, extending their lead to 41-38. Cabading's layup at 2:30 helped maintain the advantage, securing a 44-42 edge. Redlands remained within reach, but Elegores' late free throws at 42 seconds extended Occidental's lead to 48-44. Despite a late push from the Bulldogs, the Tigers concluded the quarter with a narrow 48-47 lead.
Occidental briefly seized control with a key jumper by Yasukochi at 8:19, giving them a 52–50 lead. However, Redlands quickly responded, tying the score and then pulling ahead with a series of successful possessions, including a fast-break 3-pointer by Aliyah Anderson at 6:01 that extended their lead to 58–52.
Despite efforts from the Tigers, including a 3-pointer by Ko at 1:53, Occidental could not overcome Redlands' momentum. The Bulldogs closed the quarter strongly, establishing a 12-point lead by the final moments. The game ended with a score of 73–61, in favor of Redlands.
Cabading recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while adding four steals. Ko contributed 14 points and made two 3-pointers.
Ila Giblin finished with eight points and blocked two shots. Yasukochi added nine points and collected five rebounds.
Occidental now holds a record of 8-8 overall and 3-4 in conference play. Redlands stands at 12-4 overall and 5-3 in conference competition.
In their next game, Occidental will face off against Caltech on Saturday at 4 p.m. The matchup will take place in Los Angeles, California.
