SPOKANE, Wash. - Whitworth sent its fans home happy for a 26th straight time and also with a free sandwich after defeating visiting Whittier 86-65 in a non-conference men's basketball game on Sunday afternoon at the Whitworth Fieldhouse.
The 7th-ranked Pirates set a school record with 18 three-pointers made, allowing all 1,280 fans in attendance to receive a coupon for a free sandwich from a local Arby's chain. Whitworth improved to 8-0 with its 26th consecutive home victory, while the Poets fell to 4-4.
David Riley led the way for the Pirates, making 7-14 from long range and scoring a game-high 25 points.
Whitworth burst out of the gate by hitting five three-pointers in the first eight minutes to roll to a 24-7 lead. But Whittier did not flinch, pulling back within 27-17 on a three-pointer by Bo Rodriguez. Greg Preer's three-pointer pulled the Poets within 33-24 before Riley hit the Pirates' final three of the half. Whitworth had a 43-31 lead at halftime.
Whittier hung close through the first few minutes of the second half, staying within 48-38 on a jumper by DaMon Perry with 17:29 to play. But the Pirates went on a 10-0 run, capped by another Riley three-point, to open a 58-38 lead with 14:19 to go.
After Whitworth had emptied its bench for the final five minutes, it was freshman Robbie Douglas who hit the record-breaking (18th) three-pointer for the Pirates, eliciting a great cheer from the crowd.
Whitworth went 18-37 (49%) from beyond the arc and hit 50% (30-60) from the field. Michael Taylor (Brewster) had 19 points and three of the three-pointers. Clay Gebbers and Jack Loofburrow each scored 10 for the Bucs. Wade Gebbers had eight points to go along with nine assists and two steals.
Brandon Thomas led Whittier with 17 points, making three of five from three-point range. Preer posted a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The Poets outrebounded the Pirates 38-24 in the contest, but committed 21 turnovers to only seven by Whitworth.
Whitworth heads into final exams this week and will return to the court next Sunday evening with a non-conference game at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.