ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2023)- Whittier traveled to Orange today to take on the Chapman Panthers. The Poets fought hard for this game, but in the end they were not able to hold on and lost by a score of 86-82. 

The two teams battled with each other as soon as the tip began the game. When one team started to pull away the other fought back. Blake Lander got in early foul trouble this game, but this did not matter as the men played great team basketball and picked each other up. As the time expired in the first half the Panthers had a small 47-43 lead. 

Whittier had 3 players score in double-digits this first half. They were led by Bryant Howing with 12, while Nick Manor-Hall and Jude Agbasi contributed 10 apiece. The Poets were shooting over 50% from the field and behind the arc, they would just need to push hard for the second half victory. 

As the second half began, both teams continued to trade blows to one another. Neither team was able to establish any dominance during this game, as the other always had an answer. Unfortunately, the Poets were not able to catch the Panthers and Chapman came out with an 86-82 victory. 

Bryant Howing had a fantastic game scoring 26 point, with 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Manor-Hall was able to knock down 17 points and grab 8 rebounds. While Bryden Lovdahl led both teams with 12 rebounds. 

Whittier's final game of the year will be next Tuesday, as they will travel to La Verne to take on the Leopards. This game will take place at 7:00, so be sure to come out and support your Poets one last time this season. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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