WHITTIER, Calif. (December 3, 2022)- Whittier took on the visiting Banana Slugs in a non-conference game. After battling throughout the game, UC Santa Cruz was able to take the victory by a score of 79-74. 

As the game started, both teams were ready to come out for a defensive battle. 5 minutes into the game the Poets held a small 9-7 lead, and neither side was allowing the other to score. As the first half went on, the Banana Slugs were able to pull away towards the end and went into halftime with a 41-31 lead. This was a low scoring first half and was looking like it was going to be a physical match. 

At halftime Byrant Howing led the Poets in scoring with 10 points. Whittier was led on the boards by Bryden Lovdahl with 3. Kunal Bagga also had a solid first half with 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. 

As the horn sounded to begin the second half the Poets were looking to come out and take control of this game; however, Santa Cruz came out firing and found themselves up by 15. The Poets were not done though; they kept their heads down and continued to push towards the basket causing the Banana Slugs to get into quick foul trouble.  Whittier took advantage of the fouls going 10-10 from the line halfway through the half and fighting back to trail by 3. Santa Cruz continued their fight too, but a series of 3-pointers, 2 by Cameron Stiepock and 2 by Jude Agbasi tied the game at 66. Howing then forced his way to the free throw line on multiple consecutive possessions to give the Poets their first lead since being ahead 9-7. With 2 minutes left in the game the Poets held a 74-73 lead. Whittier however could not close this game out and eventually lost 79-74.

The second half was very much the same script as the first half, with both teams battling each other on the defensive end. Overall, Whittier had 3 men score double-digits in the game; Howing with 21, Agbasi 18, and Bagga with 12. Blake Lander took control of the boards for the Poets walking away with 7 rebounds. Whittier's shooting at the free throw line was also excellent in this game with them going 23-25 (92%). 

The Poets will have a chance to bounce back from this 2 game skid, as they travel to Northridge to take on CSUN in an exhibition game. This will be another tough matchup for the Poets, as the Matadors are a Division 1 team. Whittier will come out and battle this team at 2:00. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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