PASADENA, Calif. – Just 48 hours after their previous tip-off at Braun Gymnasium, Caltech Men's Basketball returned to the hardwood to face SCIAC local rival Occidental College Monday afternoon.

Facing relentless defense by the visiting Tigers, the Beavers' second half adjustments proved effective as they outscored the guests 39-35 after hafltime. Leading the charge was sophomore Noah Hicks (Oxford, Ga. / George Walton Academy), who led both teams' starters with 13 points via a trio of three-pointers and 4-for-4 free throw shooting. He finished the game with a team-high four assists, adding three rebounts and a steal without committing any personal fouls. 

Caltech finished the game with a 9-2 run as junior Evan Portnoi (Short Hills, N.J. / Northfield Mount Hermon) splashed a three in the waning seconds off an assist from rookie Andy Li (Austin, Texas / St. Stephen's Episcopal).

First-year Ryan Hu (Bellevue, Wash. / Newport) contributed 10 points, an assist and no turnovers to the Beavers' effort, as did junior Riley Wood (Richmond, Va. / St. Christopher's School), who further picked up a pair of steals and collected a team-high nine rebounds.

On the defensive side, freshman Pranit Gunjal (Newark, Del. Newark Charter) led the game with a pair of blocked shots adding eight points and an assist while also staying out of the foul column. 

Head Coach Dr. Oliver Eslinger and the Beavers have another short turnound as they will face the University of Redlands on the road Wednesday night.