THE BRONX, NY (Nov. 18, 2023)- The Whittier men's team began their New York trip with a match-up against the College of Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins. The Poets dominated the second half on their way to an 88-78 victory. Whittier's unselfish play, finishing with 18 assists, and their 5 double-digit scorers helped lead the way for this win. 

As the first half began, the Dolphins were able to jump out to an early 15-3 lead over the Poets. However, the Poet's explosive offense was ready to battle and quickly caught up tying the game at 21. This 18-5 run by Whittier was fueled by 14 points from their second unit coming in and immediately taking off. The 2 teams continued to battle it out throughout the remainder of the first, as the Dolphins would carry a 39-37 lead into halftime. The Poets' 18 bench points, led by Roy Kalu (Boston, MA, Roxbury CC) with 7, was a major key to getting the team back in the game. 

Starting the second half the Poets once again feel into an early deficit, but the trio of Aamari Smith (Decatur, GA, San Bernardino Valley), Kalu, and Kunal Bagga (Anaheim, Calif., Servite HS) quickly got them back in it. Whittier would take a 53-50 lead off a Bagga 3-pointer with 13 minutes left in the game and from that point on the Poets would never surrender their advantage. The Purple and Gold played a great second half on both ends of the court and maintained a firm grip on their lead.

With about 5 minutes left in the game, Smith came up with a steal and would throw it up court to Nick Manor-Hall (Chino Hills, Calif., Chino Hills HS), who threw it down with a ferocious dunk to give the Poets a 10 point advantage. Whittier would ride this momentum to the end of the game when the horn sounded and they secured an 88-78 victory. 

Smith was once again a dominating offensive force for Whittier as he would finish as the leading scorer in the game with 22 points. Bagga was a sniper out there today going 3-4 behind the arc and finishing with 12 points. Manor-Hall was a beast for the Poets as he recorded a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. It was the bench though that was the true standouts for Whittier, as Kalu finished with 17 points and Jake Estep (Portland, OR, Umpqua CC) poured in 11 of his own. Whittier dominated on both sides of the court today coming away with 13 steals and 6 blocks, while shooting over 47% from both the field and behind the arc.

The team will have a day off to rest and prepare for their next match-up against The City College of New York on Monday at 3:00.