LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental College (12-12, 7-8 SCIAC) fell to Chapman University (15-9, 8-7 SCIAC), 73-61, at Rush Gymnasium. Despite the Tigers' 10 steals and 18 points off turnovers, the Panthers maintained control, outscoring the home team 24-13 in the first quarter. Chapman's balanced attack included a 29-point contribution from turnovers, securing the win.

The game commenced with the Tigers making an early impact, as Ainsley Shelsta scored a layup, assisted by Dominique Cabading, to tie at 2. Kayla Ikuma's 3-pointer at 7:35 put the Tigers ahead briefly, but Chapman quickly responded to regain the lead. Cabading kept Occidental close with a layup and two successful free throws, reducing the gap to 10–9.

Chapman, however, capitalized on several opportunities, extending its lead with strong scoring from Layla Woods and Maile Nakaji. Paige Yasukochi managed a defensive block and followed with a jumper to close the quarter. Occidental trailed 24–13 at the end of the first quarter.

Chapman extended its lead early in the second quarter with a 3-pointer by Maile Nakaji at 9:43, which was quickly answered by Cabading's own 3-pointer for the Tigers. Emily Ko added another 3-pointer for Occidental at 8:08, helping maintain offensive momentum. However, Chapman's consistent scoring, including Woods' jumper, allowed it to widen the gap.

The Tigers faced challenges with turnovers, committing six in the quarter, which hindered their ability to close the gap. Despite this, Cabading contributed significantly with a pair of free throws at 5:55 and a late layup at the buzzer. Occidental concluded the quarter trailing Chapman, 42–27.

Occidental opened the third quarter with a three-pointer from Cabading, assisted by Ikuma, at 9:43, striving to cut into Chapman's lead. Despite Chapman's defensive pressure resulting in several turnovers, the Tigers managed to capitalize on key opportunities, including a three-pointer from Ila Giblin at 4:37 and a late layup by Cabading at 2:09. The quarter saw both teams matching each other with 13 points, maintaining the score difference. The quarter concluded with Occidental trailing Chapman, with a score of 55-40.

The Tigers began the fourth quarter with a determined effort to close the gap. Ko's fast break 3-pointer at 8:01 sparked momentum, as Occidental outscored Chapman in the quarter. Dara Tokeshi contributed with key free throws and a 3-pointer, while Cabading and Yasukochi provided assists and defensive plays.

Despite Occidental's push, including Ko's late 3-pointer and successful free throws, Chapman maintained its lead. The Tigers' defensive pressure resulted in multiple turnovers, but Chapman's efficient free-throw shooting kept them ahead. The quarter concluded with Occidental narrowing the margin but falling short, ending at 73-61 in favor of Chapman.

Occidental Top Performers  

Dominique Cabading  
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- 22 points  
- 8/10 free throws made  
- 6 assists  
- 3 steals  

Emily Ko  
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- 13 points  
- 3 steals  
- 3 3-pointers  

Ila Giblin  
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- 6 rebounds  
- 2 blocks  

Paige Yasukochi  
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- 10 points  
- 4/4 free throws made  
- 4 assists  

Occidental has a record of 12-12 overall and 7-8 in SCIAC competition. Chapman holds a record of 15-9 overall and 8-7 in SCIAC play.

In their next game, the Tigers will travel to face Cal Lutheran on Saturday, Feb. 21. The matchup is set for 4 p.m. at a venue in Thousand Oaks, California.