PASADENA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team put together its highest-scoring conference performance of the season Saturday afternoon, earning an 88–81 SCIAC road win over Caltech at the Braun Athletic Center. Behind a dominant first half and a career-best scoring effort from Pasadena native Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College), the Poets controlled the pace and showcased their offensive firepower.
Whittier came out firing, scoring 51 points in the opening half while shooting over 56 percent from the field and knocking down seven three-pointers. The Poets built early momentum through fast-break opportunities, crisp ball movement, and strong finishes at the rim, setting the tone for one of their most productive halves of the season.
Returning to his hometown, Mathis delivered a career-high 21 points, connecting on four three-pointers and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. The senior's shot-making and ability to stretch the floor helped open up the offense and keep Whittier in rhythm throughout the afternoon.
Whittier received strong contributions across the lineup, with six Poets scoring in double figures. Chinecherem Nwanevu (Eastvale, Calif. / Norco / San Bernardino Valley College) delivered one of his best all-around performances of the season in his first start, posting a season-high 15 points while tying his career high with seven steals and adding seven rebounds. Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) recorded his third double-double of the season with 12 points and 14 rebounds, continuing his strong presence on both ends of the floor.
Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings) added 13 points, while Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) and Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) each chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, to round out a balanced scoring effort. The Poets also capitalized in transition, finishing with 22 fast-break points and turning defensive pressure into consistent scoring chances.
Whittier improves to 12–6 overall and moves to 5–4 in SCIAC play. Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets will head west to Thousand Oaks, Calif. on Saturday, January 28, as they take on California Lutheran at 7 p.m.
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