COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Chapman Starts Fast, Hangs On for 89-70 Victory Over Whittier

Chapman University took a 20-point lead in the first half and held on the rest of the way, winning its home opener, 89-70, over Whittier College Tuesday night.

The Panthers (4-2) made their first nine shots and led by as many as 25 points in the opening half. Stefan Mumaw led the way, hitting all five of his shots and getting 12 points.

Aaron Cornell was hot from the outside. He made three three-pointers in the first half. He finished with a team-high 17 points, including five three-pointers.

Chapman led, 48-26, at halftime, and the lead grew early in the second half behind the shooting of Brian Wood and Umahl Anderson.

After a Cornell three-pointer, Wood and Anderson each made a layup and a three-pointer for a 68-34 lead with about 14 minutes left. Whittier (0-5) outscored the Panthers, 24-11, down the stretch. Kevin Wilborn led the Poets with a game-high 18 points.

“We need tonight to get back to where we were before last week’s loss (to Lewis&Clark;),” Chapman Coach Mike Bokosky said. “I’m happy with our effort. Our defensive effort is getting better and our offensive decision-making is getting better.”

Chapman plays host to Redlands at 7:30 p.m. Friday.