LOS ANGELES, CA — Occidental (10-10, 5-6 SCIAC) fell to Pomona-Pitzer (13-7, 8-3 SCIAC), 87-67, at Rush Gymnasium, despite outscoring the visitors 30-26 in the second quarter. The Sagehens capitalized with seven 3-pointers and an 18-11 advantage in assists.

Occidental started the quarter with an early lead, highlighted by Paige Yasukochi's jumper at 9:37 in the 1st quarter, assisted by Kayla Ikuma. Despite maintaining a narrow advantage with Dara Tokeshi's layup at 8:50, Pomona-Pitzer responded with a series of successful plays to shift the momentum. A 7-0 run by the Sagehens, initiated by Jadyn Lee's layup at 5:31, put Occidental behind. The quarter concluded with Occidental trailing 15-10.

Oxy mounted a significant charge midway through the second quarter, propelled by Emily Ko's fast break layups that tied the score at 21 with 7:31 remaining before the half. Ko's efforts, supplemented by Dominique Cabading's free throws and key layup at the buzzer, kept Occidental within striking distance. The Sagehens managed to edge ahead with timely shooting from beyond the arc, but Occidental's persistence narrowed the gap. The quarter concluded with Pomona-Pitzer leading 41–40 heading into the break.

The Tigers struggled to maintain momentum in the third quarter, despite an early jumper from Yasukochi assisted by Tokeshi that briefly put the team ahead 42–41. The Sagehens responded with a series of layups and a 3-pointer, building a substantial lead. Cabading contributed with a layup and free throws, but the quarter ended with Occidental trailing 64–49.

Occidental made a strong push in the fourth quarter with key contributions from Cabading, who scored six points, and Micah Elegores, who added five. Despite their efforts, Pomona-Pitzer maintained the lead, propelled by consistent free-throw shooting and timely 3-pointers. Occidental's defensive plays, including a block by Cabading, helped limit scoring opportunities, but Pomona-Pitzer's edge in free throws ultimately sealed the game. The contest concluded with Pomona-Pitzer winning 87-67.

Cabading scored 20 points and added six rebounds, leading the team's offensive efforts. Yasukochi contributed 16 points and converted all four of her free throw attempts. Ko recorded three steals and scored 10 points, impacting both ends of the court. Ila Giblin collected seven rebounds and added six points to the team's tally.

Occidental is now 10-10 overall and 5-6 in SCIAC competition. Pomona-Pitzer improves to 13-7 overall and 8-3 in SCIAC play.

In their next game, Occidental will travel to face La Verne on Saturday, Feb. 7. The matchup is set for 4 p.m. at La Verne, California.