CLAREMONT, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2025) – The Whittier College men's basketball team put up a competitive performance Saturday afternoon against No. 13 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, showcasing offensive balance and strong individual efforts in an 84–69 SCIAC matchup on the road.
Whittier came out aggressive early and stayed within striking distance throughout the first half, shooting nearly 42 percent from the floor and knocking down four three-pointers. The Poets continued to attack in the second half, connecting at over 53 percent from the field while generating points in transition and inside the paint.
Jonathan Duley (Rocklin, Calif. / Del Oro / Cuyamaca College) led the scoring with 19 points, continuing his steady offensive stretch in conference play. Jaden Mathis (Pasadena, Calif. / Pasadena / Palomar College) followed with 18 points, including three three-pointers, as the duo provided consistent perimeter production throughout the afternoon.
Brandon Andrews (Houston, Texas / Clear Brook / Palomar College) added 11 points, while Tochi Onyeador (Amuri, Nigeria / MEC / Los Medanos College) delivered another impactful performance on both ends of the floor. Onyeador finished with 10 points and nine rebounds, along with multiple blocks and steals, continuing his strong defensive presence in the paint.
Bryce Whitaker (Burbank, Calif. / Providence / Montana State Billings) provided solid facilitation and energy off the bench, while senior Chinecherem Nwanevu (Eastvale, Calif. / Norco / San Bernardino Valley College) turned in a career performance, setting new NCAA career highs in both assists and blocks while contributing across the stat sheet in extended minutes.
As a team, Whittier shot nearly 48 percent from the field and scored 38 points in the paint, demonstrating offensive efficiency and resilience against one of the top programs in the country.
Whittier now stands at 13–9 overall and 6–7 in SCIAC play. Head Coach Mark Jensen and the Poets will return home to Dave Jacobs Court on Wednesday, February 11, as they host Pomona-Pitzer at 7 p.m.
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