WHITTIER, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2023)- The Whittier Poets honored their graduating seniors at tonight's game against the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen. Unfortunately, they did not get the outcome they wanted, as Cal Lu triumphed, 100-83. 

The five seniors being honored were Luca Marrazzo, Bryant Howing, Bryden Lovdahl, Jude Agbasi, and Ethan Battistini. The Poets were also able to start 4 out of the 5 seniors in their starting lineup, Battistini unfortunately could not suit up due to injury. 

To begin the game, Cal Lu was able to go on a 15-4 run. Whittier, however, was able to answer back and halfway through the first, held a 25-22 lead over the Kingsmen. Both teams fought for the rest of the first, but the Kingsmen took a 45-38 advantage into halftime. 

Agbasi was able to lead the Poets in points in the first half scoring 10, also with three rebounds and a steal. Freshman Blake Lander came off the bench this game and continued to do what he has been doing all year, scoring 7 points with 2 rebounds. The Poets shot a respectable 46% from the field this half.

As the second half began, Cal Lu started to pull away from the Poets. Five minutes into the half Whittier, the Kingsmen held a 14 point lead. Whittier would make one final push to try and fight back, but would only come within 8 points of Cal Lu. Eventually, the Kingsmen were able to win by a score of 100-83. 

Blake Lander led all Poets in scoring, walking away with 19. Howing was able to have a great second half and finished with 18 points and five assists. Agbasi and Nick Manor-Hall were also able to score in double-digits with 14 and 11 apiece. Whittier was able to shoot 50% from the field but could not keep up to the Kingsmens.

This game was the final home basketball contest for the Poets this season, although they have two remaining road matches. Their next game will be against Chapman this Saturday at 4 p.m.. We would like to thank you all for coming out to the Graham Athletics Center for this season's basketball games, and we hope to see you back next season! 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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