Bearcats conquer Occidental College

LOS ANGELES — Willamette University (3-6, 0-1 NWC) defeated Occidental College (3-2, 0-0 SCIAC), 65-56, at Rush Gymnasium. The Bearcats built an early lead with an 18-7 first quarter and maintained momentum with a 21-point fourth quarter. The team capitalized on 13 Occidental turnovers, translating them into 15 points. Occidental narrowed the gap with a 25-point third quarter but ultimately fell short.

The Bearcats started strong in the first quarter, quickly taking control with efficient scoring and solid defense. Gabbie Wilson opened the scoring with a jumper, and Kaitlin Imai contributed with a layup and another jumper to maintain momentum. Peyton Gardner and Riley Walden each provided key assists, while Alexis Dockter hit two 3-pointers, extending the lead late in the quarter.

The Bearcats began the second quarter by maintaining their momentum with a solid defensive effort, gathering 13 rebounds and limiting Occidental's interior scoring. Walden contributed significantly with a key steal at 5:56, setting the stage for a fast-break layup by Gardner at 5:21. During this stretch, the Bearcats connected on three 3-pointers, including one from Gardner at 4:08, extending their lead.

Occidental managed to keep pace with a 3-pointer from Dara Tokeshi at 6:40 and a fast-break layup at 4:34. However, the Bearcats closed the quarter with a layup by Imai at 0:18, reinforcing their lead. The quarter ended with the Bearcats leading 33-20.

Occidental opened the third quarter with a strong push, overtaking the Bearcats' earlier lead. Imai hit a key layup mid-quarter for the Bearcats, helping to momentarily extend their advantage to 38–31. However, the home team responded with a series of effective plays, including a 3-pointer by Kayla Ikuma at 2:09, which narrowed the visitor's lead to just three points.

As the quarter progressed, the Bearcats struggled to maintain their footing against Occidental's offensive surge. Emma Floyd contributed a 3-pointer at 1:42 to keep the visitors ahead at 44–38, but Occidental quickly closed the gap with additional points and eventually took the lead with a late layup by Ainsley Shelsta. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats trailing 45–44.

The Bearcats began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive stand, highlighted by Walden's jumper and subsequent free throw to break an early tie. Despite a brief scoring surge from Occidental, the Bearcats regained momentum with a fast-break 3-pointer by Dockter, narrowing the gap to 56–52.

Midway through the quarter, the Bearcats' defense forced turnovers, leading to a go-ahead 3-pointer by Dockter at 2:46, shifting the lead to 57–56. The team extended their advantage with a series of successful layups and free throws, including two free throws by Mattie Thompson with 29 seconds remaining.

The Bearcats maintained control in the closing minutes, capitalizing on free throw opportunities to secure a 65–56 victory, outscoring Occidental 21–11 in the final quarter.

In their next game, the Bearcats will travel to face Cal Lutheran on Friday, Dec. 19. The contest is set for 11 a.m. at Gilbert Arena in Thousand Oaks, California.