written by Liam Flenniken

WHITTIER, Calif. – Tommy Griffitts recorded his fourth double-double of the season to bring the winning streak to five as Cal Lutheran topped Whittier 83-78 on Saturday afternoon. 

Five Kingsmen tallied double-digit points: Nick Attanassio (17), Griffitts (15), Jake Martin (14), Matthew Verkamp (12), and Desi Burrage (10). 

Whittier (11-6, 4-4) actually outshot the Kingsmen from the field, 47% (30-64) to 46% (31-68), but Cal Lutheran bested them from three, 44% (14-32) to 40% (10-25), and from the free-throw line, 70% (7-10) to 53% (8-15). 

It was a bumpy start for the Kingsmen (14-3, 7-1), who found themselves down 10-17 with 12 minutes left in the first half. A 10-0 run would put them in front, after which they would never relinquish the lead. 

Martin, who entered the game fifth in the nation in three-point percentage, continued his strong year from behind the arc, converting 4/7 shots. 

Although star Devon Lewis was held scoreless, he made up for it on the boards and as a distributor, recording six rebounds and eight assists. 

"The depth of our team was on display tonight. Proud of them for taking multiple punches and getting back up," Head Coach Russell White said. 

The Kingsmen are back in action at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29 in Claremont to take on Pomona-Pitzer. 

Key Stats:
Nick Attanasio - 17 PTS, 9 REB, 1 AST
Tommy Griffitts - 15 PTS, 12 REB, 1 STL
Jake Martin - 14 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST