LOS ANGELES — Jacob Adler hit big shot after big shot, Caleb Yellin-Flaherty dominated the boards and Ryan Kaneshiro ran the show as the Occidental men's basketball team moved into second place with a 78-69 road win at Whittier on Saturday.

Adler, who is second in the SCIAC in points per game, went 11-15 for a game-high 28 points in all 40 minutes played. He hit 6 of 9 from three, including his biggest one with 3 minutes to play that put the Tigers up 72-67. He also had five rebounds, three assists and four steals.

Yellin-Flaherty moved well inside the key, finding openings for 19 points on 8 for 17 shooting. He was all over the glass, finishing with 16 rebounds, and also had five assists.

Ryan Kaneshiro anchored Oxy's defense, stopping Whittier's vertical penetration that caused foul problems for Oxy in the first half. After going into the locker room down 39-37, the Tigers allowed just 30 points in the second half.

Kyle Dosa had 10 points, four assists and two steals, Anthony Hollerich had 10 points and seven rebounds, and Sydney Shipp had four points and two rebounds.

Ahmad Young led Whittier with 22 points and Nick Pothoff added 16. 

Oxy passed the ball well with 22 assists and 12 turnovers. 

The Tigers also won the battle on the boards 37-32.

Season Impact: Oxy improves to 17-5 overall and 9-4 in SCIAC play. With three SCIAC games to play, the Tigers are moving closer to clinching a SCIAC Postseason spot for the third year in a row.

Whittier falls to 10-12 and 5-8.

Next Game: The Tigers are back in action at La Verne on Wednesday at 7 p.m.