Tigers Lose Nail-Biter in Westmont Exhibition

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LOS ANGELES — The Occidental men's basketball team led for most of the 40 minutes, but couldn't hold onto its lead, falling to a good Westmont squad 72-68 in an exhibition at Rush Gym on Tuesday.

Caleb Yellin-Flaherty, Oxy's 6-foot-5 senior forward from New York, was exceptional at both ends, scoring a game-high 26 points on 10 for 14 shooting. He also anchored Oxy's defense on the boards, finishing with 10 rebounds, to go along with three steals and two assists.

Yellin-Flaherty was named SCIAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after a 2-0 week that put the Tigers record at 3-0.

Kyle Dosa shot it well for the Tigers, finishing with 14 points on 5 of 9 from the field and 4 for 7 from beyond the 3-point line.

Hunter Sipe led Westmont with 20 points.

The game does not count on Oxy's overall record.

Oxy knocked off Westmont when the teams met last season. 

Westmont, a scholarship school that competes in the NAIA, has already beaten Pomona-Pitzer this season, the defending SCIAC Champions and the team picked to finish at the top of the conference.

Next Game: Oxy is back in action on Thursday, playing West Coast Baptist at home at 7 p.m. Oxy will then face Caltech on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Bethesday at home on Nov. 26 before taking a short break for Thanksgiving.