THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2026) – The Whittier College men's basketball team delivered an explosive offensive performance Wednesday night, pouring in 54 second-half points and showcasing balance across the lineup in a competitive 95–89 SCIAC matchup against California Lutheran. The Poets shot efficiently, moved the ball well, and featured multiple standout individual efforts throughout the evening.
After heading into halftime trailing by 10, Whittier came out with renewed energy and offensive rhythm, shooting over 52 percent from the field and knocking down eight three-pointers in the second half alone. The Poets consistently applied pressure in transition and attacked the paint, matching California Lutheran point-for-point down the stretch and turning the contest into a tightly contested battle late.
Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) led all scorers with 22 points, recording his eighth 20-point game of the season while tying his career high with four assists. Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) continued his strong run of play, finishing with 19 points and knocking down five three-pointers for the third time this season. Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) followed with 18 points and added a career-high eight assists, directing the offense and creating opportunities throughout the night.
Senior Chinecherem Nwanevu (Eastvale, Calif. / Norco / San Bernardino Valley College) turned in his best all-around performance of the season, posting season highs in both points (16) and assists while tying his season high with nine rebounds. Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) once again anchored the defense, tallying nine rebounds, four blocks, and setting a new NCAA career high with five steals to cap another impactful defensive showing.
Whittier finished the game shooting nearly 48 percent from the field and a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line, underscoring the Poets' efficiency and composure in a high-scoring conference matchup.
Whittier now stands at 12–7 overall and 5–5 in SCIAC play. Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets will return home to Dave Jacobs Court on Saturday, January 31, as they host the University of La Verne Leopards with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m.
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