Whittier College took advantage of 24 La Sierra turnovers and a hot shooting performance by senior-guard Marcus Gibson to pick up their first win of the 2009 season 89-73.
Whittier broke open a close game with a 12-3 run midway through the first half to take a 23-14 lead. The Eagles would not get any closer for the rest of the game. Whittier pushed their lead to 42-28 at the half on only 36% shooting. A stifling defensive effort by the Whittier five kept the Eagles off balance and led to easy baskets. Senior Marcus Gibson led Whittier with 23 points including 5-6 from beyond the arc while senior co-captain Mike Archuletta threw in 18 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Freshman DaMon Perry pulled off his second double-double of the young season scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Whittier began the second half on a 14-1 run to increase the lead to 56-29, the largest of the game. Whittier ended the game shooting 30-66 (46%) from the field and 21-28 from the free throw line (75%). La Sierra's Daniel Noga led all scorers with 25 points including 5 three pointers along with 6 rebounds.
The Poet's continue non-league action on Saturday against West Coast Baptist, tipoff at 7:30.