With 3-point specialist Bubba Walther out with a concussion Saturday against Kent State, coach Tim O'Shea was in need of some immediate offensive firepower.
So, he-
O'Shea said, he can really score.
Whittington hit five 3-pointers, and with 5:46 remaining in the first-half, the 5-foot-11 guard had as many points as the Golden Flashes with 16.
The junior-college transfer, who was 8-of-14 from the field, said it was important for him not to force anything at the offensive end.
Like I've been saying before I let the game come to me he said. If I have the shot
I'm going to take it.
Whittington credited Walther with giving him advice from the sidelines, especially late in the game.
Bubba told me to be calm and just run the offense
he said. When it got down to crunch time
he is a senior and knows what he is talking about
so I really listen to his advice.
Whittington added a lay-up late in the game against multiple Kent State defenders that had O'Shea in a joking mood after the game.
That was one of those 'no
no
no
yes' on the part of the coaches
O'Shea joked. Bubba was probably the one who told him to shoot it on the 3-on-1.
Also shouldering the load with Walther out for the game was point guard Michael Allen, who played a season-high 39 minutes against Kent State.
Mike is one of those unique athletes who doesn't get tired
