WHITTIER, CA. (Dec. 18, 2023)- Whittier played host to the La Sierra Golden Eagles this afternoon in a Monday matinee. The Poets played hard for the full 40 minutes of this game and had control of the first half; however, the Eagles were able to win this one with a heartbreaker. The two teams battled back and forth this entire match, but La Sierra was the one walking away with a 79-77 victory. 

The Poets got off to a great start this game and were communicating excellent on the offensive side. 5 different men were able to score within the first 6 minutes. The two teams continued to go head-to-head throughout this first period, as neither was ready to give in. It was not until Whittier finished the half on a 7-2 run that any firm lead was established. The Poets went into the half with a 40-33 lead. 

Ignacio Bettinelli (San Jose, CA, West Valley CC) had a tremendous half, shooting 2-4 from behind the arc and going 6-6 from the free throw line. His aggressive play and fierce drives to the basket was too much for the Eagles, as he was able to draw foul after foul. In total 9 of the 10 Poets that played this first half were able to score buckets.

Starting the second half, the Poets came out hot. The Purple and Gold went on a 9-2 run to start this period and were in control of this game by 14 points. The Eagles responded though with a 10-0 run of their own, this game was now within 4. The men continued to fight, but La Sierra was hitting their shots and eventually tied this game up at 56. With about 10 minutes left in this game Whittier was throwing everything they had at their opponents. Once again they turned to their full-court trap defense and were pests to the Eagles. 

Then with 1 minute remaining in the game Kunal Bagga (Anaheim, Calif., Servite) knocked down 2 free throws to tie it at 77. On the defensive end Bettinelli was able to come up with a huge block and gave Whittier one last chance to tie it up. Unfortunately the Poets were not able to score on this possession and gave the final shot to the Eagles. With less than 0.3 seconds left, La Sierra was able to get an offensive rebound and tipped in the game-winner. The Eagles would top the Poets 79-77. 

Bettinelli and Aamari Smith (Decatur, GA, San Bernardino Valley CC)  led the team in scoring, as they were each able to pour in 16. Bettinelli and Nick Manor-Hall (Chino Hills, Calif., Chino Hills) were both also a rebound away from recording double-doubles. The Poets will have a 10 day break before they return to action and look to get back on track. They will be traveling to Las Vegas to take on Hussan University on December 28th at 2:00.