WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier men's basketball team topped the 100-point barrier for the sixth time this season in posting a 106-51 win over Caltech in a SCIAC match-up at the Graham Athletic Center on Saturday evening.

The home squad jumped out to 13-3 less than five minutes into the game. However, Caltech's defense and offense picked up as they went on a 12-7 scoring spurt to nudge within a five-point hole just before the midway point of the first half.

Whittier (13-5, 5-2 SCIAC) proceeded to grab the game's momentum over the final 10:23 of the first period. The Poets held Caltech (5-13, 0-7 SCIAC) to three field goals while covering 13 of their own in helping them build a 54-28 lead at intermission.

During the final stanza the Poets kept the game's momentum on their side the entire time in posting the win and staying on the top half of the league standings.

The Poets came into the game among the nationally leaders in points per game, steals, and turnover margin. They converted on 59.7 percent (42-of-73) of their field goal attempts while forcing Caltech into 25 turnovers and recording 18 steals during Saturday's contest.

Michael Edwards had a team best 13 points for the Beavers. Andrew Hogue and Pan Wang each contributed an eight-point evening.

Willie Mebane scored a game high 21 points to pace the Poets attack that placed five players in double figures. Mebane went 9-of-11 from the field in 14 minutes of action.

Caltech plays host to Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.