SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2024) – The Whittier College women's basketball found itself in another tight game in its rematch with the University of California, Santa Cruz on Sunday afternoon. The shorthanded Poets received sizable contributions from its top two players, but ultimately came up short against the Banana Slugs, 47-46.
Senior guard
Rhe Nae Leach (Moreno Valley, Calif. / John W. North) led with 21 points, but primarily got there on volume over efficiency against a tough UC Santa Cruz team in a road rematch. She came one rebound shy of a double-double and got her teammates involved with a team-high four assists. Senior forward
Lorita Salloom (Santa Clarita, Calif. / Saugus / College of the Canyons), however, did manage a double-double behind a 12-point, 12-rebound performance. Together, the two Poet stars accounted for 33 of their team's 46 points.
Both teams were largely even by most statistical measures. UC Santa Cruz shot better from deep, but ultimately made fewer field goals. Meanwhile, just one rebound separated the two teams, as well as just three turnovers. Whittier entered the fourth quarter at a three-point deficit, and the Slugs started fast, leading by eight with just 4:21 remaining in regulation. However, the Poets scored the game's final seven points and had a shot to win the game in the waning seconds. Needing a turnover, Salloom came up big with one of her three steals and gave her a team a shot to win the game, though on this day, it was just not meant to be.
Head Coach
Kristen Dowling and the Poets will not have to wait long to attempt to get back into the win column. They are set to host Brooklyn College on Monday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.
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