The Arabians made the trip down to Whiteland for a Saturday night non-conference matchup, but the Warriors were able to defend their home court, 67-53. The game was physical from the outset, with a total of 46 free throw attempts awarded throughout the contest. Whiteland opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by a two-pointer by Cooper Sims. Another Warriors three-ball was answered by Sims making two free throws. A third triple by Whiteland made the score 9-4 late in the first quarter, but Ashann Singh got to the basket for two, and then found Sims for another two before receiving a pass from Hayden Fox to get the Arabians tied at 10. Whiteland would close the quarter with two free throws to make it 12-10. As the second quarter progressed, Whiteland was able to stay two possessions ahead with made field goals, while the Arabians got a majority of their points from the charity stripe. Sims was able to add a couple more from the floor, and Joe Estes scored a big putback to make it 23-19, but PH could not find a way to get a stop on the defensive end. The Whiteland lead grew to 30-23, but Evan Mozingo was able to score in transition after two missed free throws by the Warriors, then added his own free throws to cut the deficit to three heading into halftime. Estes knocked down a corner three to get the Arabians started in the second half, but Whiteland continued to make shots and extended their lead back to 37-30 before PH took a timeout midway through the third quarter. The fouls and free throws continued to add up, and the Arabians converted most of their chances, shooting a stellar 20/24 from the line on the night (compared to the 14/22 performance by their opponents). Yet as the Arabians needed to ratchet up their defensive pressure, the Warriors did well enough at the line to keep their lead, which would balloon to 47-39 with a deep banked three-pointer at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter brought plenty of situational basketball, and while Sims and Mozingo each knocked down clutch shots, the Warriors managed to score enough to stay comfortable in their two- to three- possession lead. As the game reached its final minutes, the Arabians had some success with a full-court press. However, after turning the ball over and missing a quick shot in their first two possessions against it, Whiteland was able to break the press and convert layups to start sealing the victory. The last free throws would be just a formality for Whiteland as they secured the win. Sims led all scorers with 23 points and added 6 rebounds (a team high) and a steal. Mozingo was a perfect 8/8 on free throws en route to 14 points and 5 rebounds. Singh led the team in assists tonight with 5, adding 4 rebounds and 5 points of his own to the effort. Estes scored 6 with 5 boards, and Fox made 3 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Up next for Pendleton Heights is another road contest, an HHC matchup at New Castle on Tuesday, 2/18