Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

WHITTIER, Calif. – Whittier flexed its muscles inside and outscored the Sagehens 36-16 in the paint as the Poets' men's basketball team cruised to a 66-53 win on Saturday night at the Graham Athletics Center.

The trio of Whittier big men consisting of Damon Perry, Nathan Easterman and Tyree Landrum combined for 27 points and 20 rebounds while the guard play accounted for 11 for the Poets' 12 team steals.

Once again it was Greg Preer who showcased his all-around ability scoring seven points with seven rebounds and five steals. Jordan Ramos chipped in with three steals and six assists off the bench.

Whittier (10-10, 5-4 SCIAC) and Pomona-Pitzer went back-and-forth through the first nine minutes and were deadlocked at 11 before the Poets took control and used a 19-6 run to go up 30-17 with 4:48 left in the half.

The Sagehens (6-14, 2-7 SCIAC) cut the lead to single digits but a three-pointer by Brandon Thomas and layup off a feed from Willie Mebane by Easterman but the Poets up 35-22 in the waning moments of the first stanza.

Pomona-Pitzer gained some momentum heading into the locker room by hitting a three-pointer as time expired.

Whittier led 35-25 at the intermission.

The Poets controlled the second half and never trailed by single digits. The lead hit 15 at the 15:56 mark and after the Sagehens cut it to 44-33, Whittier extended its advantage to 56-35 with 9:19 remaining.

Whittier managed just six points in the final five minutes of the game but it was all academic as it rolled to the 13-point win.

The Poets return to action on Wednesday, February 9, as they host Redlands at 7 pm.