CLAREMONT, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2023)- The Poets were looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Chapman, against a strong CMS team. Unfortunately, Whittier was not able to put the right pieces into place as they fell by a score of 98-87. 

The first half began and Whittier was able to keep the score close; and with 10 minutes left in the half CMS had a small 29-25 lead. The Poets were sharing the ball well during this first 10 minute stretch as 7 different Poets were able to convert a shot and were on the board. However, this is when CMS began to take off and pull away from Whittier, They continued to make their shots and with 2 minutes remaining in the first half CMS held a 22 point lead over the Poets. 

At halftime Whittier was down 56-41 and needed a big comeback during the second half. The positive during this half was that Whittier was able to share the ball well as 8 different Poets contributed to the points total. Bryant Howing was a great leader out on the court as he was able to knock down 50% of his shots and distribute 5 assists. Jude Agbasi was the Poets leading scoring putting up 9 of Whittier's 41. 

When the teams returned for the second half, the Stags were looking to slam the door on this game while the Poets were searching for a comeback effort. Whittier came out strong and was aggressive getting good looks at shots. Their efforts however were matched by similar efforts by the Stags. Everytime the Poets would be looking to make a comeback CMS stood their ground. In the end, the Stags were able to hold on for the victory over the Poets 98-87. 

Whittier once again came up short on the victory, despite having solid individual performances from their players. The team was just not able to get on the same page and too many fouls led to their downfall. Agbasi was able to pour in 20 points on the night. Blake Lander followed him as he was able to score 19, while also grabbing 8 rebounds. Howing played a phenomenal overall game for Whittier, as he scored 13 points on 50% shooting, grabbed 4 rebounds, had 6 assists, and also was a pest on the defensive end with 7 steals. 

Whittier now drops to 0-4 on the season in SCIAC play. They will play their next game on the road as well, as they travel to Los Angeles to play Occidental. This game will be on Wednesday the 11th at 7:00 PM. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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