Poets Unable to Complete Comeback Versus Menlo

Rosario Rios-Aguilar '08 scored a team-high 15 points, but Whittier College lost 68-56 to Menlo College at the Graham Athletics Center on December 2.  The loss drops the Poets record to 1-2 this season.

Rios-Aguilar was just one rebound shy of a double-double with nine.  She also handed out three assists.  Kourtney Zilbert '11 scored nine points and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.  She led the Poet defense with four steals and one blocked shot.  Christa Rainville '08 played 22 minutes off the bench and scored ten points.

The Oaks were led by Kepua Lee, who finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds.  Kelci Fushikoshi scored 22 points. 

Menlo started the game on a 7-0 run and led by as many as 13 points midway through the first half.  The Poets fought back, cutting the lead to two points and ultimately trailing by just five heading into the halftime break (33-28).  At the start of the second half, the Poets tied the score at 37 and took a 39-37 lead four minutes into the half.  It was the only time Whittier would lead in the game, however, as Menlo went on an 11-0 run and never looked back.  They ended the game on a 6-0 run to take the 68-56 victory.

One of the big differences in the game was three-point shooting.  The Oaks made seven shots from beyond the arc, shooting 37% in the game.  The Poets were just 1-for-13 from long range.  Menlo also held a distinct advantage at the free throw line, converting on 19-of-26 attempts.  The Poets were awarded just 12 free throws, making only five.  In the first half, Menlo capitalized on second chance opportunities, collecting 11 offensive rebounds and 23 total, while the Poets had just eight total first half rebounds.

The Poets are in action again on December 8, when they travel to San Diego Christian College.  The game will be broadcast over the internet and can be listened to by clicking this link: (http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/asxfiles-live/1c3winlive6681.asx).  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00pm.