WHITTIER, Calif. (December 17, 2022) - Playing without leading scorer sophomore Rhe Nae Leach, Whittier College took visiting George Fox University to overtime, ultimately falling 63-55.

Senior Lizzie Scriven had an excellent game, notching career highs in points (14) and steals (5). She also contributed five rebounds and two assists.

"I had to step up, especially on defense," Scriven said of playing without Leach. "We had some good spurts and left it all on the court."

The Portland native ranks fourth in the SCIAC in steals per game with 3.1. 

"When my team makes a shot, I want to come back down the floor and get that steal for them and go on the fast break," Scriven said. "That's my hype and motivation to play D, especially in a close game like that." 

The Poets, who are dealing with a rash of injuries, suited up just seven players, and senior center Bella Robles left the game in the fourth with an injury and did not return. Still, Whittier jumped out to a 28-15 lead with under two minutes left in the first half.

Whittier got all 17 of its second-quarter points from Scriven and senior Lainie James. Scriven scored nine in the period, while James added eight. The pair shot a combined 5-for-7 from the floor in the second, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.

The Bruins then went on a big run, taking a 35-33 lead with 4:26 remaining in the third.

The rest of regulation was back-and-forth. Junior transfer Citlalli Gurrola, who finished with 14 points, drained one of her four three-pointers on the day, to tie the game at 46. Then, with the score tied at 46 and the shot clock winding down, Robles was forced to put up a three, and she drilled it.

After Jenna Lacey made both of her free throws to give the visitors a 53-50 lead with 19 seconds left, James hit a cluth three-pointer to send the game into overtime. James finished with a game-high 24 points and team-high five assists.

Ultimately, George Fox prevailed, outscoring Whittier 10-2 in overtime.

Saturday night's game featured seven ties and eight lead changes. The fierce Whittier defense was on display again, this time limiting its opponent to 34.5% shooting and 26.5% from deep. The Poets also forced 21 turnovers.

A huge difference in the game came on the offensive glass, where George Fox held a 19-1 advantage. The Bruins also outscored the Poets 15-2 in second chance points.

"I'm ready to come back next week and do it again," Scriven said. "We have six players, but that's not going to stop us."

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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