WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team delivered one of the most explosive offensive performances the program has seen, surging past Pacific University 101-78 at Dave Jacobs Court. The Poets shot an incredible 64.8 percent from the field, the highest recorded shooting percentage in Whittier's modern history (dating back to the beginning of available data in 2009-10) and very likely a program record against an NCAA opponent.
The offensive efficiency was staggering from start to finish. Whittier shot over 60 percent in both halves, knocked down 13 threes at a 48 percent clip, and hit 90 percent of their free throws. Six Poets scored in double figures as the Purple & Gold pushed the tempo, shared the ball, and attacked with confidence in their second straight win to open the season.
Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) led the way with a career-high 20 points on a nearly perfect shooting line, going 6-for-7 from the floor, 3-for-4 from deep, and 5-for-5 at the stripe. Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) followed with 19 points and four assists, while Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) added a new NCAA career-high of 16 points, fueled by five made threes.
In the frontcourt, Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) anchored the interior with a dominant 18-point, 13-rebound double-double, his first as a Poet. Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings) contributed 14 points, and Sean Cervantes (Hacienda Heights, Calif. / La Mirada) delivered 11 points along with six assists to cap a balanced and efficient offensive performance.
Whittier also limited Pacific to just 35 percent shooting in the second half and held the Boxers to five made free throws total. The Poets built a double-digit lead early in the second period and never looked back, pushing the margin to as many as 25.
Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets are now 2-0 and will return to Dave Jacobs Court on Friday, November 21st at 7 p.m. to host California Miramar University
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