LA VERNE, CA. (Feb. 7, 2024)- The men hit the road to travel to the University of La Verne to take on the Leos in a SCIAC matchup Wednesday night. After going through a rough stretch of games, the Whittier Poets were able to get their footing early in this game and carried that to a strong victory. The Poets would go into the Leopards house and come away with a 90-73 victory.

The players of both teams came out tonight right out of the gate ready to fight with some intensity. La Verne and Whittier began this game trading buckets and the two teams were tied about 5 minutes through the first half. Then coming out of a timeout, the Poets went on a tear and for the rest of the half Whittier was in firm control. Led by Aamari Smith (Decatur, GA, San Bernardino Valley) (16 points) and Nick Manor-Hall (Chino Hills, Calif., Chino Hills HS) (12 points), Whittier's offense was doing a masterful job creating shots inside the paint and beyond the arc. The Poets shot over 40% from both 2 and 3 in the first, while playing a stellar defense. Going into the half Whittier had already generated 9 steals and 2 blocks, on their way to a 47-27 point lead. 

With a 20 point lead established, the Poets were looking to continue to push until the final buzzer and they secured their victory. La Verne was doing a better job of getting more open shots this half, but Whittier was ready with an answer. Everyt ime the Leopards were able to get on a little roll, the Poets would answer back with a run of their own. The two teams traded blows back and forth, but in the end Whittier's 20-point advantage at the half was too much to come back from. The Poets would hold on to win this game by a final score of 90-73. 

Aamari Smith was once again the star of the game tonight, as he has now scored over 20 points in 7 of the last 8 games. Smith finished with 29 points to go along with his 1 block and 5 steals. Manor-Hall was another dominant force for Whittier in this matchup, as the senior was able to finish with a double-double (19 points and 12 rebounds). Kunal Bagga (Anaheim, Calif., Servite HS) (13) and Roy Kalu (Boston, MA, Roxbury CC) (15) were also good tonight for the Poets as the two ended this game with double-digit scoring. Kevin Dobson (Corona, Calif., San Diego Christian College) also managed to stuff the stat sheet tonight as he ended with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Whittier will look to stay in the win column on Saturday when they travel to Orange to take on Chapman. The Poets and Panthers will tip off at 2:00 prior to the 4:00 women's game.