Jeff McLean '09 scored a game-high 28 points as Whittier College pulled out a 77-71 overtime victory at La Sierra University on November 26.  The Poets outscored the Golden Eagles 16-10 in the overtime period to improve their record to 2-1 on the season.

McLean went 7-for-10 from the field and 14-for-19 from the free throw line and scored nine points in the overtime period.  He also collected five rebounds.  Vernon Covington '08 finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in 41 minutes of action.  Travis Crow '09 and Marcus Gibson '09 scored 12 points apiece.

La Sierra was led by Cortez Ward who scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds.  They also got 19 points and six rebounds from Roy Stubbs.  Normand Hall finished with 12 points.

The Poets were down 30-28 at halftime and used exceptional shooting in the late stages of the game to escape with the win.  They shot 50% from the field in the game, including 55% in the second half and 57% in overtime.  Whittier held La Sierra to just 41% shooting and 1-for-12 shooting from beyond the arc.  La Sierra held a slight 29-27 edge on the glass.  Whittier forced 16 turnovers while committing 13.

The Poets continue their non-conference schedule against Willamette University on December 1.  The game is at the Graham Athletics Center at 7:30pm.