PASCO, WA – The Clark College Penguins rallied to secure a hard-fought 68-60 victory over Columbia Basin in a battle of two hungry teams. Clark improved to 4-1 on the season, while Columbia Basin dropped to 3-3. The game, marked by its intense defensive play and multiple lead changes, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Jayda Jackson Leads the Way for Clark

Jayda Jackson was the star of the game for Clark, delivering an impressive 21-point performance on 10-of-22 shooting. Jackson's scoring ability and strong court presence were key as Clark held off Columbia Basin's late-game pushes. 

Her efforts were supported by Mia Hicks-Oliver, who contributed 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a well-rounded performance. Emily Peabody added a double-digit effort with 12 points and 13 rebouds. Payton Allen was solid as well, with 5 points, 6 rebounds, and a key defensive presence.

Clark's defense was notably strong throughout the game, forcing Columbia Basin into 21 turnovers and holding the home team to just 27.2% shooting from the field.

Columbia Basin Struggles to Find Consistency

Despite a heroic 37-minute, 17-point performance from Ezrah Ray, Columbia Basin's offense was plagued by shooting struggles. The team shot just 27.2% from the field, including a dismal 6-of-24 from beyond the arc. Ray's 8-of-17 shooting kept the Falcons within striking distance, but the team's overall shooting woes – particularly from three-point range – hindered any chance of a late-game comeback.

Analyssa Maldonado, who played the full 40 minutes, was Columbia Basin's second-leading scorer with 16 points, but she was ice cold from the field, finishing 6-of-27. Her three-point shooting was especially off, hitting just 4 of her 17 attempts from long range. Amber Swan also struggled with her shot, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-27 shooting, though she did manage to grab 16 rebounds.

Columbia Basin's offense, as a whole, could not find rhythm, especially in the second half. After a competitive first half, where the score was tied at 29 heading into the break, the Falcons shot a paltry 20% in the fourth quarter. This allowed Clark to pull away, despite a strong effort on the boards from Columbia Basin, who out-rebounded the Penguins 52-43.

The Turning Point: Third Quarter Surge by Clark

The third quarter was where Clark began to assert control. After a slow start, the Penguins shot a blazing 64.7% from the field in the period, including 11 field goals. Their offense, led by Jackson and Hicks-Oliver, flowed much more smoothly, and Clark began to distance itself from Columbia Basin.

Though Columbia Basin did its best to fight back, a key stretch midway through the fourth quarter allowed Clark to build its largest lead of the game—13 points—after a quick 7-0 run. With Columbia Basin unable to find consistent offense, Clark held firm and cruised to the victory.

Key Stats:

• Points in the Paint: Clark dominated inside, outscoring Columbia Basin 34-24 in the paint.
• Free Throws: Clark shot 60% (12-20) from the line, while Columbia Basin was a rough 44.4% (4-9).
• Turnovers: Columbia Basin struggled with ball control, committing 21 turnovers, which led to 15 points for Clark off turnovers.

Up next, the penguins will host the NWAC Crossover this upcoming weekend in O'Connell Sports Center on the Campus of Clark College.  Visiting teams include Spokane, Peninsula and Centralia.  Clark will open the tournament hosting Spokane Friday, 7:30pm following Peninsula v. Centralia at 5:30pm.

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