LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Dec. 27, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team opened play at the D3Hoops.com Classic with a hard-fought 70–67 victory over Amherst College on Saturday evening, holding off a second-half push to secure their eighth win of the season.
Whittier controlled the pace early, building a nine-point halftime advantage behind efficient shooting and strong ball movement. The Poets finished the night shooting 46 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from three, while limiting Amherst to just 21 percent from beyond the arc. Whittier led for over 38 minutes of game time and never relinquished the advantage.
Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) paced the Poets with 18 points, marking his seventh game shooting 50 percent or better from the floor this season. Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings) continued his strong stretch of play with 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, recording his third consecutive double-digit scoring effort and a season-high performance on the glass. Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) remained a constant threat from deep, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to 14 points, his fifth game this season with four or more made threes.
The interior presence of Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) proved critical throughout the night, as he hauled in 11 rebounds to go along with multiple blocks, further cementing himself as one of the top rebounders in NCAA Division III. Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) added 12 points off the bench, while Whittier's depth helped counter Amherst's late push and close out the win.
Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets move to 8–2 overall and will return to the floor Sunday afternoon for Day 2 of the D3Hoops.com Classic, taking on Bridgewater State University in Las Vegas, Nev. at 4 p.m.
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