CLAREMONT, Calif. (January 7, 2023) - Whittier led by six points late at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Saturday afternoon, ultimately falling 66-62. Watch the Poets' highlighs HERE.

The Poets led 55-49 with six minutes to play, but the Athenas prevailed in the end. CMS tied the game at 57 with 3:48 to play, then took a 60-57 lead with a deep ball and led the rest of the way.

Sophomore Rhe Nae Leach was exceptional yet again, scoring 29 points (9-16 FG). It was her second consecutive games with five steals, and she added four assists and one block. The Riverside native set a career high for free throws made in a game, going 11-for-13 from the charity stripe. Leach continues to lead the SCIAC in scoring with 20.4 points per game on 48.6% shooting. In her three games since returning to the lineup from a broken nose, the point guard is averaging 26.7 points per game.

Senior Lainie James recorded her third career double-double and first of the season with 20 points (7-15 FG, 3-9 3PT), 10 rebounds and four assists. She leads the conference in minutes per game (37.1) and is tied for second in three-pointers made (34).

Defensive specialist senior Lizzie Scriven totaled five steals, ranking her second in the SCIAC in the category this season. She also contributed five points and three assists. 

The Poets shot an excellent 46.7% in the contest, only committed 13 turnovers compared to CMS' 16 and outscored their counterparts in paint points, 30-26, and 21-18 in points off turnover.

Despite the loss, Whittier put forth an impressive performance, nearly taking down mighty CMS (4-1 in SCIAC play) on the road. The game featured 13 lead changes and eight ties.

The Poets' next game comes Wednesday, Jan. 11 at home against the Occidental Tigers (7 p.m.). See you at the Graham Athletic Center!

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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