WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2022) - Whittier returned home from Arizona to take on the Willamette Bearcats, dominating the game in a 112-76 victory. 

Early in the game, the Poets and Bearcats battled in a close contest. Just over half way through the first half, the score was 37-33 Poets, and the Bearcats would not give in. Then with six minutes left in the first half, Whittier took control. The Poets held a 41-39 lead, before going on an 18-4 run and commandeering a 59-43 lead. The final three minutes of the half featured a dominant Poets defense that only allowed two points to the Bearcats, giving Whittier a 66-47 halftime lead. 

Bryant Howing had an amazing half, going 11-14 from the field with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. The 26 first-half points for Howing tied his full-game career high. Kunal Bagga also had a great half scoring 11 points with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. 

As the second half began, the Poets did not take their feet off the gas and continued to establish a dominant offensive presence. Five minutes into the half, Whittier extended their lead to 82-52. The men took control of the game and never looked back, and with five minutes left in the game, Whittier had its largest lead of 40. Eventually, the game would end with the Poets taking a 112-76 victory. 

When asked about the game senior Bryant Howing stated, "We started this game off by playing great defense, then we just did our thing on offense and made our shots. It was a great overall game." 

Howing finished with a game-high and career-high 30 points. Ethan Battistini dominated the second half of the game scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds in only 13 minutes. Howing, Battistini, Bagga, Blake Lander, and Kevin Dobson all provided the Poets double-digit points. 

The Poets begin conference play this Wednesday, as they take on SCIAC rival the Bulldogs of Redlands at home. This game will take place at 7 p.m., following the women's game that begins at 5 p.m.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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