Women's hoops earn season sweep over Poets

ORANGE, Calif. –The Chapman University women's basketball team earned a season sweep over the Poets with an 86-68 victory over Whittier College on Wednesday at the Hutton Sports Center. Saturday's victory allowed the Panthers to take sole-possession of third-place in SCIAC standings and keep playoff hopes alive. 

Chapman jumped on the board first taking the lead 18-4 seven minutes into the game. The Poets battled back from their 14 point deficit and then completed a 9-2 run at the 4:34 minute to narrow the score 34-36. The Panthers ended the half leading 41-39.  

Five minutes into the second half Whittier's high energy offense took control and went on a 10-7 run to tie the game 50 all. Chapman's heavy back court press was ultimately too much for the Poets and the Panthers jumped out on top take the lead 64-50 at the 10:18 minute mark. Chapman then extended its lead 79-58, taking a 21 point lead at the 5:03 minute mark.

In a game with 49 turnovers and 21 steals, the Poets Erica Houston recorded a game-high of six steals while only allowing two. Whittier's offense was led by Carly Buechler who racked up a game-high of 15 points for the Poets.

Chapman sophomore G Lauren Sato recorded career-high of 25 points on Wednesday while senior G Andrea Villanueva recorded an additional 18 points and four assists for the Panthers.

Chapman (10-10 overall, 8-4 SCIAC) will take break from conference play on Friday, Feb. 11 to host Bethesda University at 7:30 p.m. at the Hutton Sports Center.

by Raquel Rinauro
Sports Information Assistant

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