LOS ANGELES — Freshmen Andrew Johnson and Joe Compagno combined for 35 points and 18 rebounds.

But the Occidental College men's basketball team fell short against Cal Lutheran, losing 83-70 at Rush Gym on Wednesday.

Oxy falls to 7-10 and 3-6 in SCIAC play. Cal Lutheran improves to 15-4 and 6-4.

Johnson, who had a double-double by halftime, finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds on 9 of 13 from the field.

"AJ is getting better each game. That was one of a few positives tonight," Oxy coach Brian Newhall said. "We just couldn't get a stop and lost to a better team."

The Kingsmen shot 53 percent from the field.

Compagno made his first career start with Spencer Levy out injured and thrived, scoring 13 points to go along with six rebounds. In the second half, Compagno made all three of his 3-pointers as the Tigers tried to chip away at Cal Lu's 34-28 halftime lead.

"Joe made some shots tonight, but it's his competitiveness on defense and on the glass that makes him valuable to our team," Newhall said. "He's a coachable guy who wants to win. He's got a bright future in this program."

The Tigers also played without starter Jay Miller, who is still out hurt.

Juwan Rice finished with nine points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals for Oxy. Kory Hamaneadded 15 points on 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.

Arik Smith led Cal Lu with 26 points and Coltrane Powdrill added 22.

Oxy is back in action on Saturday, hosting Caltech at 5 p.m.

"We just couldn't quite get over the hump tonight," Newhall said. "We're not there yet, but the good news is we can be much better. We'll regroup and get ready for a big weekend with back-to-back games."