LOS ANGELES — Occidental (10-9, 5-5 SCIAC) defeated Caltech (2-15, 0-11 SCIAC), 69-44, at Rush Gymnasium, capitalizing on 20 points off turnovers.
Occidental began the game with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 12 points inside to establish control early on.
Paige Yasukochi made key contributions with layups at 9:31 and 7:24, while
Dominique Cabading's three-pointer at 3:38 extended the lead.
Dara Tokeshi added four points from the free-throw line and assists, maintaining the home team's momentum. The Tigers' defensive efforts, including three steals and 14 rebounds, helped keep the Beavers off balance. Occidental concluded the first quarter with an 18–9 lead.
Occidental seized control in the second quarter with a series of pivotal plays, including a 7–0 run sparked by
Emily Ko's steal at 9:40, leading to a tip-in by
Ila Giblin. Giblin's subsequent free throws at 8:36 bolstered their lead. Yasukochi extended the advantage with a three-pointer at 5:27, assisted by Cabading. Caltech struggled to find their rhythm, allowing the Tigers to close the quarter with a 31–16 lead.
Occidental seized control in the third quarter with a dominant 11–0 run that began shortly after the opening tip. Yasukochi and Giblin contributed crucial layups during this stretch, with Giblin also delivering a fast-break score assisted by
Kayla Ikuma at 8:37. Caltech briefly interrupted the momentum but was unable to sustain a counterattack. Ko extended the lead with a layup at 0:41, and
Makena Daggett capped the quarter with a fast-break layup, leading Occidental to a 54–27 advantage at its conclusion.
Occidental maintained their lead in the fourth quarter with a strong start, highlighted by
Cristina Sepulveda's steal and fast-break layup at 8:37, giving them a 56-28 advantage.
Nicole Vanegas added to the momentum with another fast-break layup after a steal at 7:14. Caltech attempted to reduce the deficit with a series of successful free throws and layups, but the Tigers continued to counter, including a three-pointer by Sepulveda at 0:59, assisted by
Micah Elegores, which solidified their position.
Lillian Spector sealed the game with a layup at 0:22, and Occidental secured a 69-44 victory over the Beavers.
Yasukochi led the Tigers with 17 points, converting eight of 14 field goal attempts and contributing two steals. Tokeshi added eight points and recorded four assists while collecting three steals. Ko scored seven points and tallied four steals, demonstrating her defensive impact. Giblin finished with nine points and seven rebounds, including four on the offensive end, while also adding two steals.
Occidental improved to 10-9 overall and 5-5 in SCIAC play with the victory. Caltech fell to 2-15 on the season and 0-11 in SCIAC competition.
In their next game, the Tigers will face off against Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The matchup is set for 7 p.m. at their home venue in Los Angeles, California.
