Tigers Handle Golden Eagles in Home Opener

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2007) – Occidental College men’s basketball recorded their second win of the season with an 89-63 victory over La Sierra University in their home opener tonight at Rush Gymnasium.

Oxy took a 47-29 halftime lead after shooting 50% from the field. The Tigers went on an 20-4 run in the second half, taking a commanding 78-46 lead with just over six minutes to play in regulation.

Thirteen Tigers stepped on the court and 11 scored.

Leading the pack was senior guard Connor Whitman who finished the night with 25 points on 8-12 shooting including a 6-8 performance from beyond the arc. He added a solid performance at the line (3-3) while tallying three assists and two steals.

Chris Hunt poured in 22 points, including four from three point range and two from the charity stripe in as many attempts. Junior Huston Conti also broke double figured with 12.

Out-rebounding all of his opponents was Chris Pitcher with 10. He also added eight points and four assists. Hunt and teammates Sean Anderson and senior Joe Sasich each grabbed six boards.

Gemayal McBride provided a game high five assists, adding four rebounds and a 3-4 performance at the free throw line. Anderson and junior Jordan Schultz each chipped in four assists as well.

La Sierra’s leading scorer was Cortez Ward with 18 followed closely by Roy Stubbs with 17.

Occidental will be back in action on Saturday, December 1 when they travel to Riverside, Calif. to face off with the same Golden Eagles. Tip off will be at 7:30 p.m.