SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team took a major step in its non-conference preparation Monday afternoon, facing Division I opponent San Diego State Aztecs in an exhibition matchup at Viejas Arena. While the contest did not count toward Whittier's record, the game provided a valuable measuring stick and an opportunity to gain experience against elite athleticism and size ahead of postseason events.


The Poets showed flashes of offensive rhythm early, knocking down six three-pointers in the opening half and moving the ball effectively against a high-pressure defense. Whittier finished the afternoon with nine made threes and continued to test San Diego State from the perimeter, using the exhibition setting to experiment with rotations and lineups in a fast-paced environment.


Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings) delivered one of his strongest offensive performances of the season, leading Whittier with 13 points while shooting efficiently from the floor against Division I competition. Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) continued his impressive stretch from beyond the arc, connecting on three more triples to mark his fifth game this season with at least three made three-pointers. Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) anchored the defensive end, protecting the rim and battling inside while also contributing eight points, while Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) added eight points and brought steady energy off the bench.


The exhibition also allowed Whittier to distribute minutes across the roster, giving multiple players extended looks in live-game action against a nationally recognized program. With less than a week before traveling to Las Vegas, the Poets used the matchup to sharpen execution, test defensive coverages, and build confidence heading into a demanding stretch of games.


Whittier remains 7–2 overall and 1–1 in SCIAC play, with Monday's contest serving strictly as an exhibition. Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets now turn their attention to the D3Hoops.com Classic, opening the tournament against Amherst College on Saturday, December 27, at 6 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nev.