Whittier storms back to defeat Chapman 65-48

ORANGE, Calif. – The Whittier Poets used a 34-8 second-half run to spoil the Panther's Senior Night and leave Chapman with a 65-48 victory.

The night, which began as a celebration of the careers of seniors Marissa Dunn and Lucy Criswell, saw Chapman come out firing early. The Panthers jumped out to a 13-5 lead before Whittier went on a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to two. Dunn ended the run with a huge three-pointer to give the Panthers momentum and a 16-11 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Panthers continued their hot start into the second quarter where they saw their lead grow to 14-point multiple times. They went into halftime with a 31-20 lead, while shooting 42.8% from the field as a team.

However, the second half was a much different story. The Panthers extended their lead to 15 before going cold from the field. Chapman shot just 19.3% as a team, as the Poets outscored them 45-17 and ran away with the SCIAC victory.

Dunn and Julianna Campas led the way for the Panthers with 15 and 12 points respectively. Lucy Criswell only managed two points but led the team in rebounds with nine.

Behind a strong 24-point performance from Teani White, the Poets shot 56% from the field in the second half on their way to the victory. They turned the Panthers over 18 times and outscored them 15-5 from the free throw line.

Shaeleigh Wright recorded a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Poets and helped them move to 9-4 in conference play.

The loss drops Chapman to 6-7 in conference play and makes their path to the SCIAC Tournament very difficult in a crowded conference. 

The Panthers will play the final home game of the season on Wednesday, February 12 against Redlands. The Bulldogs are currently in first place in the SCIAC standings. Tip is scheduled for 7 P.M.

By Phil Wood
Sports Information Assistant

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