Photo by: Justin Hyon, Caltech Yearbook

 

PASADENA, Calif (Jan. 10, 2022) – Caltech women's basketball hosted SCIAC rival Occidental College in the first home game of 2022, dominating the Tigers from start to finish as three players scored double-digit points, with two recording double-doubles for the Beavers' first conference win of the season.

 

The Beavers won the opening tip-off and never looked back, with sophomore guard Milan Robinson (Anaheim, Calif. / Fairmont Prep) hitting a jump shot just outside the paint just nine seconds into the contest. Robinson finished with 11 points and tied with fellow guard Hope Arnett (Torrance, Calif. / Chadwick School) in the assists column for a team high of four. Freshman Kathryn Edwards (Centennial, Colo. / Arapahoe) recorded her second double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds, shooting a commendable 10-for-15 from the field with one three-pointer.

 

The performance of the night once again came from junior forward Sahana Saikumar (Arcadia, Calif. / Arcadia), who rained a season-high 31 points down on the visitors, and dominated on the ball control side with 10 defensive boards, four steals and a pair of blocked shots without committing a single turnover.

 

Despite only utilizing four bench players to the Tigers' 11, the Beavers enjoyed a clear edge in nearly every team category on offense, shooting an impressive 41.9 percent from the field and 69.2 percent from the free throw line - both double-digit advantages over Occidental.

 

The intensely physical game grew into a slow second half as the officials began calling more personal fouls. Frustrations grew on and off the court, culminating in a technical foul against the Occidental coaching staff with under three minutes to go in regulation. Saikumar sank both ensuing free throws to finish with a whopping 14-for-15 from the stripe.