Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

WHITTIER, Calif. - Senior Nick Demusis (Mililani, HI) continues to impress this year as he poured in a season high 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting that lifted the Whittier College men's basketball team to the 79-64 victory over the University of La Verne snapping a two game losing skid.

Whittier continues to hold on to that No. 4 slot in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) standings as they move to 12-7, 6-4 SCIAC.

The Purple & Gold held onto a slight two point lead at the break 27-25 despite shooting 37 percent from the field and Demusis adding just two points.  But in the second half the Poets caught fire going 17-of-27 from the field (63%), made six of 10 three pointers and converted 12 of 14 free throws. 

They held a lead as much as 19 with 4:25 to play, had just nine turnovers, 28 points in the paint, and converted 14 points off turnovers en route to the lopsided victory. 

La Verne's Hakim Arnold, attempted to keep the Leos in the game adding 16 points in the second half but it wouldn't be enough for the red-hot Whittier offense. 

Whittier pulled away slightly early in the second half going in front by seven 47-40 before stringing together eight unanswered and then putting together a run of nine straight that put them in front 70-51, which proved enough for the victory. 

Along with his 33 points, Demusis also added five rebounds.  He was joined by Andrew Torres (Whittier, Calif.) who chipped in with 19 points and seven boards off the bench, while Eric Jennings (Fontana, Calif.) put in 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

Whittier returns to action as they hit the road for three games beginning with Caltech this Saturday, February 7 beginning at 7:00pm.   

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