Poets Force 33 Turnovers in Win Over St. Scholastica, Gibson Scores Game-High 17

Marcus Gibson '09 scored a game-high 17 points as Whittier College beat visiting College of St. Scholastica 74-58 on December 30.  The Poets forced 33 turnovers in the game as they improve their record to 5-3 this season.

Gibson finished with four three-pointers and pitched in with three assists and two steals.  Mike Archuletta '09 scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench.  Vernon Covington '08 pitched in with eleven points, six rebounds and four assists and Jeff McLean '09 scored ten points and added three assists and three steals.

For the Saints, Troy Miller was the only player to score in double digits with 13 points.  He also led the team with six rebounds. 

The Poets held just a three point edge at halftime (35-32) as St. Scholastica stayed in the game with six three-pointers and 54% shooting from the field.  The Poets stepped up their play in the second half shooting 62% from the field and out rebounding the Saints 18-8.  Whittier stifled the Saints' deep threat in the second half, forcing St. Scholastica to go just 1-for-7 from beyond the arc.  The Poets scored 34 points off turnovers in the game, compared to just eleven by the Saints.  Whittier also held a 34-23 edge in points off the bench, led by Archuletta's 13 points.

The Poets take on Portland Bible College in their first contest of 2008 on January 2.  Tip-off at the Graham Athletics Center is Scheduled for 7:30pm.