VANCOUVER, Wash. -
In a competitive matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Clark and Portland basketball teams clashed in a thrilling contest that lasted till the final moments.
The first quarter set the tone for a closely contested game, with Clark holding a slim lead of 14-9. At halftime, Clark managed to maintain a slight advantage, leading 29-27. A game that saw very few lead changes, throughout.
However, the third quarter brought a twist in the tale as Portland Panthers surged ahead with a 50-39 lead, leaving Clark with a significant deficit to overcome in the final quarter. The game seemed to be slipping away, but the penguins had no intention of giving up without a fight.
The final quarter witnessed an extraordinary comeback effort from Clark, with the team rallying behind standout performances from several players. Clark's bench proved to be a game-changer, contributing 24 points compared to Portland's 22. The points in the paint were dominated by Clark, scoring 16 against Portland's 12.
Freshman, Dejah Wilson, stole the show, showcasing her remarkable skills with a stunning performance. Wilson dropped an impressive 22 points, including four three-pointers, and maintained a perfect free-throw record, shooting 100% from the line. Her contribution played a crucial role in keeping Clark in contention.
Sophomore, Neriah Efferson continued to shine, securing her 9th double-double of the season. With 10 points and 12 rebounds, Efferson's all-around performance showcased her importance to the team and highlighted her consistency throughout the season.
The fourth quarter saw the emergence of another freshman star, Ashlyn Parduhn. Parduhn delivered a remarkable performance, hitting three crucial three-pointers that breathed new life into Clark's chances. Her 9 points in the quarter fueled a comeback, putting Clark within striking distance of reclaiming the lead.
Despite the late surge, the clock ran out on Clark's comeback bid, and the final score stood at Clark 62, Portland 67.
Next up, the ladies will travel to Umpqua (13-1, 1-0) Saturday, January 6th. Tip off is set for 2:00pm.
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