Basketball Recap: California Lutheran Takes a Tough Playoff Loss

California Lutheran and Whittier squared off in some playoff action on Wednesday, but California Lutheran had to settle for second. They took an 83-75 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Whittier Cardinals. While the C-Hawks didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Cardinals 21-15 in the first quarter.

Tyler Treder

Points

02/12/25 @ Whittier	38
02/05/25 vs Academy for Academic Excellence	31
02/04/25 @ California School for the Deaf-Riverside	19
01/31/25 vs Sherman Indian	34
01/30/25 @ La Sierra Academy	29
+ 2 more games

Tyler Treder and Ethan Ash certainly did their best on Wednesday to avoid the loss. Treder dropped a double-double with 38 points and ten rebounds, while Ash dropped a double-double with 29 points and 15 boards. Treder's evening made it seven games in a row in which he has scored at least 19 points. Another player making a difference was Jonas Vogel, who posted four points and seven rebounds.

Even though they lost, California Lutheran smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 17 consecutive matchups.

Whittier had a senior duo take command as Brandon Romo put up 26 points and Christopher Heape earned 23 points. Those 23 points set a new season-high mark for Heape. Niko Caro was another key player, putting up 13 points.

California Lutheran's loss dropped their record down to 17-9. As for Whittier, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine contests, which provided a massive bump to their 17-10 record this season.

California Lutheran does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Whittier, they will challenge Temecula Prep at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Temecula Prep's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last six games.