REDLANDS, Calif. -- Ryan Symes and a stingy defense led Whitworth University past Pomona-Pitzer Colleges 73-45 in the semifinals of the Lee Fulmer Memorial Invitational men's basketball tournament on Friday night. The Pirates will either play host University of Redlands or Chapman University in the final on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m..

Symes scored 21 points to lead the Pirates

Symes (Sr., F, Palo Alto, Calif.) made 8 of 13 shots, including 3 of 5 from three point range, on his way to 21 points to lead all scorers. David Riley (Fr., G, Palo Alto, Calif.) made 5 of 6 from three point range to finish with 15 points and Ross Nakamura (Jr., G, Moraga, Calif.) tossed in 11 points. Colin Willemsen (Sr., F, Moraga, Calif.) led the Bucs in both rebounds (9) and assists (10).

Meanwhile the Whitworth defense held the Sagehens to 33% (16 of 48) shooting from the floor, including 13.3% (2 of 15) from three point range. No Pomona-Pitzer player reached double figures in scoring.

Whitworth fell behind 5-0 in the opening moments, but then went on a 22-5 to to grab control and the Pirates were never threatend. Whitworth led by as many as 18 points in the first half (30-12) after a three pointer by Drew Bruns (Fr., G, Mission Viejo, Calif.).

Pomona-Pitzer scored the first basket of the second half to pull within nine points, but the Pirates quickly extended the lead back to 15 (38-23) on the three-pointer by Nakamura. Whitworth eventually led by as many as 33 points (70-37) late in the game.

Whitworth, making its second-ever appearance in the Lee Fulmer Memorial Tournament, has now advanced to the championship game both times. The Pirates won the event in December of 2002.