REDLANDS, CA. (Jan. 27, 2024)- The men traveled to Redlands with the Whittier women's team to take on the Bulldogs in a double-header matchup. The Poets got off to a great start in this game, but the Bulldog's deep bench was able to gain them the advantage. University of Redlands was able to defeat Whittier by a final score of 98-84. 

Whittier was able to come out and shot the ball well off the tip, Nick Manor-Hall (Chino Hills, Calif., Chino Hills HS) and Aamari Smith (Decatur, GA, San Bernardino Valley) had the offense running through them. The two Poets kept this game close and combined to score the first 16 Whittier points through 8 minutes of the game. Redlands then was able to go on a run and establish some distance between themselves and Whittier. The Poets came back at the end of the quarter, but the Bulldogs still had a 51-43 lead over the Poets at halftime. 

Starting the second half, Manor-Hall continued his special night. The senior was playing very aggressively tonight, finding his way to the basket over and over again. However, the Bulldogs run and gun offense was able to maintain a grasp on their lead over the Poets. In the end Whittier would be topped by Redlands by a final score of 98-84. 

Smith and Manor-Hall have been incredible all season, but the two of them had their best game together tonight. Manor-Hall was the games leading scorer with 34 points, while he also grabbed 10 rebounds. Smith tore it up on offense once again with 28 points. Tanner Thompson (Seattle, Wash., North Creek HS) was full of energy tonight as his hustle play got him on the board with 10 rebounds. Whittier will have a week off before hosting the Occidental Tigers next Saturday. This game will tip off at 2:00 in the Graham Athletics Center.