WHITTIER, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2023) - Whittier limited Cal Lutheran to 57 points Wednesday night, yet dropped the contest by seven points. Watch Whittier's highlights HERE.

The Poets' defense continued its brilliant season, holding the Regals to 57 points, 36.4% shooting and 33.3% from distance. Cal Lu also had 19 turnovers. 

And yet, the home team could not put together enough offensive output to win the game.

At halftime, Whittier trailed 27-25, and was only behind by three, 49-46, with 3:21 to play. However, the Poets could not get any closer.

Both teams struggled from the free-throw line, with Whittier sinking just 9-for-19 and Cal Lu making 12-for-20. Rhe Nae Leach had 18 points (8-15 FG), seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal, but went 2-for-9 on free throw attempts. She also turned the ball over just twice, her second consecutive game taking good care of the basketball.

In the contest, the Poets were outrebounded 46-30 overall and 14-6 on the offensive glass. This led to the Regals outscoring their SCIAC counterparts, 12-4, in second chance points.

Senior Bella Robles had a solid game, scoring seven points, securing eight rebounds, recording two assists and contributing a block and a steal.

Senior forward Lainie James posted 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, but shot 3-for-14 from the field.

Junior Citlalli Gurrola made two three-pointers, and senior Lizzie Scriven added three assists.

The Poets next take the court Saturday at 2 p.m. at La Verne, who stands atop the SCIAC with an 8-0 conference record and 16-1 overall.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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