WHITTIER, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team opened the 2026 calendar year on a high note, securing a 72–63 SCIAC victory over Chapman on Saturday night at Dave Jacobs Court. The win marked the Poets' first home game of the new year and continued their steady climb in conference play.
Whittier set the tone early with a strong defensive first half, holding Chapman to just 23 points while forcing tough looks from the perimeter. The Poets carried a seven-point lead into the break and responded each time the Panthers attempted to close the gap in the second half, maintaining control through disciplined execution and timely scoring.
Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) led the offensive charge, finishing with a game-high 22 points while shooting 9-for-15 from the floor. It marked the third time this season Duley has shot 60 percent or better, and his efficiency proved crucial in keeping Chapman at bay. Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) continued his strong stretch of play, knocking down three three-pointers on his way to 14 points, while Peyton Guerrero (Huntington Beach, Calif. / Ocean View / Cypress College) added another efficient performance with 14 points of his own, marking his third straight game in double figures.
Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) provided valuable production at the free throw line and on the glass, scoring 11 points while pulling down five rebounds, and Chinecherem Nwanevu (Eastvale, Calif. / Norco / San Bernardino Valley College) contributed key minutes defensively with seven points and six rebounds. Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) anchored the interior once again, grabbing nine rebounds and helping limit Chapman's scoring in the paint.
Whittier finished the night shooting over 42 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the free throw line, while holding Chapman to just 31 percent shooting overall. The Poets never trailed in the contest and limited second-chance opportunities to maintain control throughout the game.
With the win, Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets improve to 11–4 overall and 4–2 in SCIAC play. Whittier will remain at home and return to Dave Jacobs Court on Saturday, January 17, at 2 p.m. to host the No. 10-ranked Redlands Bulldogs in a pivotal conference matchup.
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