CLAREMONT, Calif. — Occidental (15-5, 8-3 SCIAC) fell to Pomona-Pitzer (9-10, 5-6 SCIAC) 69-64 on Wednesday night at Voelkel Gymnasium. The Tigers' defense recorded six blocks and six steals, but the Sagehens' 19 fast-break points proved decisive in the closely contested matchup.
Occidental began the half by keeping pace with Pomona-Pitzer, resulting in five ties and eight lead changes.
Nicky Clotfelter played a key role, scoring both inside and beyond the arc, while also contributing defensively with a steal. Despite a late push by Pomona-Pitzer, including a 3-pointer at 1:42, the half concluded with Occidental trailing narrowly, 32–30.
Oxy fought to narrow the gap, sparked by
Jacob Koretz's layup at 16:36 and
Perry Rainey's 3-pointer at 15:57 that cut the lead down to 1 point early on in the 2nd half. The Sagehens used a strong 6-0 offensive run to push their lead up 12 at about the halfway point of the half.
Despite efforts to close in, including a late push with Clotfelter driving to the paint and getting the hoop plus the harm and sinking the free throw, Pomona-Pitzer maintained a slight edge down the stretch. The Tigers struggled defensively against fast breaks, which hindered their momentum. The half concluded with Occidental trailing 69-64, marking the end of the game.
Nasir Luna led the team with 15 points, converting five field goals and five of six free throws while also adding three assists. Clotfelter contributed 14 points, alongside two blocks and two steals, and collected eight rebounds. Rainey posted 12 points, hitting three 3-pointers, and tied for the team lead with eight rebounds. Koretz added 10 points, making two 3-pointers and recording two assists.
Occidental now holds a record of 15-5 overall and 8-3 in SCIAC play. Pomona-Pitzer stands at 9-10 overall and 5-6 in SCIAC competition.
Looking ahead, Occidental will face La Verne on Saturday, Feb. 7. The game is set for a 2 p.m. tip-off in La Verne, CA.
