The first half saw Portland asserting dominance with a commanding lead, finishing at 63-42. The standout player for Portland was their freshman guard, Jahvari Martino, who showcased his scoring prowess by netting an impressive 24 of his 26 points in the initial half. The Penguins, led by Martino's explosive performance, had a strong offensive showing that set the tone for the opening half.

However, the game took a turn in the second half as Clark mounted a comeback effort. The Penguins displayed resilience and determination, chipping away at the deficit. The second half showcased a remarkable shift in momentum, with Clark outscoring Portland and narrowing the point gap.

Despite the overall loss with a final score of 106-90 in favor of Portland, Clark demonstrated character and determination in the second half. The team fought valiantly, refusing to go down without a fight. Notably, the Penguins had four players scoring in double digits, showcasing the depth and versatility of their lineup.

Sophomore Keegan Phillips led the charge with 18 points, while sophomore duo Brendan Beier and Kaleb Swarthout contributed 17 points each. Keenan Coleman, another sophomore, added 12 points to the mix.

A key factor in Clark's second-half resurgence was the impactful performance of the bench players. The bench unit injected a burst of energy into the game, contributing a substantial 46 points compared to Portland's 28. This showcased the team's depth and the ability of the reserves to make a meaningful impact on the game.

While the loss in the conference opener was disappointing, the second-half rally by Clark hinted at the team's potential and resilience. 

Next up, the men travel to Umpqua (9-5, 0-1) on Saturday, January 6th as both  teams will look to capture their first conference win.  Tip-off is set for 4:00pm.

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