Whittier Rally, Weida’s 34 Top UC San Diego

SAN DIEGO — Dave Weida scored 34 points and grabbed 9 rebounds Tuesday night as Whittier defeated UC San Diego, 109-85, in a Division III men’s basketball game.

Weida, a 6-foot 8-inch junior, was 14 of 18 from the field and hit all six of his free throws. The Poets shot 70% (37 of 53) from the field and 92% (35 of 38) from the line while improving their record to 4-5.

The game was close in the early going before Whittier pulled to a 48-41 lead at the end of the first half. The Poets then turned the game into a rout by scoring the first 11 points of the second half.

Whittier had five players in double figures: Steve Gueverra scored 19, Gary Miguel 15, Jim Pursell 14 and Dave Schusller 11.

UCSD (4-4) was led by Craig Allen’s 20 points. Greg Kamanski added 15, Brian Backens 13 and Reggie Arnold 11.