LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental (5-6, 0-2 SCIAC) fell to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (11-2, 5-0 SCIAC), 70-61, at Rush Gymnasium. The Tigers led by three points at the end of the first quarter, but the Athenas surged ahead with a decisive 22-point third quarter. Occidental scored 28 points in the paint and forced 11 turnovers, but Claremont-M-S secured the win with a 34-28 advantage in paint points and 15 made free throws.

Occidental started strong with a three-pointer from Dara Tokeshi, assisted by Paige Yasukochi, setting the pace early. Ainsley Shelsta added to the momentum with a layup, extending the lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Dominique Cabading's steal contributing to an efficient offensive strategy.

The home team excelled in the paint, scoring 10 points, and maintained a steady defensive presence, contributing to a total of two blocks. Despite Claremont's attempts to narrow the gap, the Tigers led 17–14 at the close of the first quarter, setting a competitive tone for the remainder of the matchup.

The second quarter commenced with a decisive layup from Shelsta, marking an early advantage for Occidental. The team maintained control with robust paint play, scoring 8 points inside, while also benefiting from offensive rebounds that led to second-chance opportunities. Yasukochi's consistent scoring, including multiple jumpers, helped sustain the lead midway through the quarter.

Despite Claremont responding with strong offensive efforts, particularly from Katie Resendiz, Occidental's defense remained resilient, evidenced by a key block from Ila Giblin. Emily Ko's late free throw extended Occidental's lead briefly, but Claremont closed the quarter with a layup to edge ahead. The quarter ended with Occidental trailing by one, 32-31.

Occidental commenced the third quarter with defensive intensity, contributing to a series of turnovers and fast breaks. Ko's three-pointer at 7:08 off a Tokeshi assist highlighted a critical moment, trimming the gap to four points. Despite a strong offensive push, the team struggled to maintain momentum against Claremont's consistent scoring in the paint and on the perimeter.

As the quarter progressed, Yasukochi's free throws at 5:17 kept the team within striking distance. However, Claremont capitalized on second-chance opportunities and their three-point shooting to extend their lead. Occidental's late surge, with three-pointers from Ko and Tokeshi in the final minute, narrowed the deficit, ending the quarter trailing 54-48.

Occidental initiated the fourth quarter strong with Tokeshi securing a steal early on. Shelsta contributed both offensively and defensively, recording crucial rebounds and making a layup to keep the team within reach. Yasukochi's defensive efforts included a block and a defensive rebound, helping maintain momentum.

Despite these efforts, Claremont capitalized on their opportunities, with a notable layup by Caleigh Edwards at the 1:01 mark extending their lead. Ko managed to reduce the deficit with a layup and an assist, bringing the score closer. However, the quarter concluded with Occidental trailing, as Claremont secured a 70–61 victory.

Occidental Top Performers  

Emily Ko  
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- 10 points  
- 6 assists  
- 4 rebounds  

Dominique Cabading  
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- 7 points  
- 3 steals  
- 6 rebounds  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 12 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 9 rebounds  

Ainsley Shelsta  
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- 10 points  
- 8 rebounds

Claremont-M-S holds an 11-2 overall record and is undefeated at 5-0 in SCIAC play. Occidental stands at 5-6 overall with a 0-2 mark in conference competition.