WHITTIER, CA. (Jan. 7, 2024)- After defeating the University of La Verne and securing their first SCIAC victory of the season on Wednesday, the Whittier Poets took on the University of Redlands Saturday. The Poets shot a respectable 47% from the field, but were not able to keep up with the Bulldogs and would lose this game 86-72. 

As the game tipped off, the Redlands Bulldogs were able to get off to a very quick start. In the first 5 minutes, the Bulldogs were able to take control of a 20-9 lead. The Poets were playing hard, but their turnovers were allowing the Bulldogs to take control. Redlands extended their lead to 19 at one point in their first half. Whittier was able to go on a few runs of their own and brought the deficit to 7; however, the Bulldogs took a 51-40 lead into the half. 

Aamari Smith (Decatur, GA, San Bernardino Valley) was having another great start, putting together an 11 point, 2 rebound, and 4 assist first half. 

Beginning the second half, Whittier would need to go on a big run to get back into this game. Unfortunately, the Poets were not able to get anything going. The men were not able to ever get into a good rhythm and did not find many open shots on the Bulldogs defense. There were a few times in this half that the men cut Redlands' lead to 9, but this was the closest they were able to get. 

Smith was able to put together a full stat sheet tonight with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Kunal Bagga (Anaheim, Calif., Servite HS) had one of his best shooting nights all season, going 7-8 from the field with 20 points. The men shot 42% from behind the arc this game, but could not find many open opportunities. Redlands was able to hold on and defeat the Poets by a final score of 86-72. 

Whittier will have a week off before taking on Caltech next Saturday. The Poets will travel to take on the Beavers in Pasadena, with the game tipping off at 2:00. 

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