REDLANDS, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2026) – The Whittier College men's basketball team wrapped up the 2025–26 season Saturday night with a competitive 86–82 battle against No. 16 Redlands, delivering one of its strongest performances of the year against a nationally ranked opponent.
With postseason implications on the line, the Poets played with energy and confidence from the opening tip. Whittier shot over 51 percent from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers, matching Redlands' physicality inside while generating 31 fast-break points. Five Poets finished in double figures as the Purple & Gold battled throughout the full 40 minutes.
Senior leaders Chinecherem Nwanevu (Eastvale, Calif. / Norco / San Bernardino Valley College), Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings), and Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) each delivered memorable performances in their final collegiate game. Whitaker recorded his first career double-double, setting a new NCAA career-high with 10 assists while adding 14 points and six rebounds in a commanding floor performance. Mathis added 14 points, including four three-pointers, showcasing the perimeter shooting that defined his senior campaign. Nwanevu anchored the defensive effort, contributing six rebounds, three steals, and steady leadership throughout the night.
Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) continued his consistent scoring run with a team-high 20 points, while Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) recorded his third consecutive double-double, finishing with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks to cap an outstanding stretch to close the season. Peyton Guerrero (Huntington Beach, Calif. / Ocean View / Cypress College) added 12 points on efficient shooting off the bench, helping fuel Whittier's balanced attack.
The performance marked another step forward for a team that showed growth throughout conference play, highlighted by record-setting defensive efforts, explosive offensive outings, and a continued commitment to team-first basketball under Head Coach Mark Jensen.
Whittier concludes the season at 15–10 overall and 8–8 in SCIAC competition, closing the year with momentum and a strong returning core poised to build on this foundation next season.
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