PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 19, 2022)- The Poets traveled to Arizona this weekend to battle some tough teams. They dropped their first game against SAGU American Indian College, 78-67, on Saturday after struggling with fouls. Then, Whittier came back and beat Park University Monday afternoon, 87-70.

The Poets got off to a great start as the game against SAGU began. They held an early 10-2 lead, but soon, the Warriors fought back and tied it 10-10. The Warriors then went on a little run holding a 29-21 lead. Then a series of 3's got the Poets back on track as they held a 37-34 lead going into the half. 

The second half was a battle between the two teams. Eventually, though fouls would be the downfall of Whittier. The Poets had 11 fouls during this half leading to SAGU to go to the free throw line for 16 shots and converted 12 of them. Overall in the game, the Warriors went 22-29 at the line, while Whittier was only 8-14. The vast difference in fouls led to the Warriors 78-67 victory. 

The Poets struggled to get in their groove during this game, but did have some standout performances. Kunal Bagga and Blake Lander were both able to score in double digits. Cameron Stiepock came off the bench and provided a great spark for the Poets, as he was able to go 5-8 from 3, scoring 17 points. 

Taking on the Buccaneers in their second game, Whittier was ready to come out fighting for a win. The first half was a low scoring battle between both teams. The Poets were led by senior Bryant Howing, who found himself at the free throw line 7 times, while scoring 8 points and 3 rebounds.  Jude Agbasi also had a great half playing all 20 minutes on his way to 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. 

The second half was the best of Whittier's short season. The Poets played great team basketball throughout the half on both the offensive and defensive sides. Howing once again led both teams in scoring with 15, while fellow senior Ethan Battistini dominated on the boards with 7 total rebounds. Overall, Whittier won the half 52-37. 

Whittier took control of this game early in the second half and never let up, ultimately winning the game 87-70. Howing led both teams in scoring with 23. Battistini contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Agbasi walked away with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Stiepock again came off the bench and provided a great offensive performance going 4-9 on 3, scoring 12 points in 14 minutes. 

Overall Whittier will return home with a 1-1 record on their trip to Arizona. They dropped the first game to the Warriors, but were able to come back with a dominate victory over the Buccaneers. Stiepock was the team's leading scorer coming back with 29 points in 2 games. The Poets will look to continue their win streak at home when they take on Willamette on Saturday the 26th at 2:00. 

Photos: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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