LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team opened the new year and conference play with a hard-fought road battle, falling just short in a 71–70 decision against the Occidental College Tigers on Saturday afternoon at Rush Gym. The contest marked Whittier's first SCIAC game of the season and was decided in the final moments after 40 minutes of back-and-forth action.
Neither side led by more than a few possessions throughout the afternoon, with the game featuring 15 lead changes and four ties. Whittier trailed by two at halftime before matching Occidental basket for basket in the second half, setting up a tense finish in the closing minutes. The Poets had opportunities down the stretch but ultimately came up one point shy in a contest that was in doubt until the final horn.
Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) once again paced Whittier's offense, finishing with 21 points on efficient shooting to record his sixth 20-point performance of the season. Duley continued his strong play in conference action, consistently creating scoring opportunities and keeping the Poets within striking distance throughout the game.
Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) added 13 points and a season-high seven rebounds, logging his fourth double-digit scoring effort in the last five games while providing a strong presence on the glass. Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings) chipped in 11 points and four rebounds, while Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) supplied a spark off the bench with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting.
Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) anchored the interior with nine rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, contributing across the stat sheet in a physical matchup. Peyton Guerrero (Huntington Beach, Calif. / Ocean View / Cypress College) added nine points, as Whittier matched Occidental with 32 points in the paint and stayed composed at the free-throw line in a tightly contested road environment.
Despite the narrow loss, the performance showcased Whittier's competitiveness heading into the heart of conference play.
Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets move to 8–4 overall and 1–2 in SCIAC action and will continue their road stretch against the Pomona-Pitzer Colleges Sagehens on Wednesday, January 7, at 7 p.m. at Voelkel Gym in Claremont, Calif.
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