VANCOUVER, Wash. - In a high-intensity matchup on Saturday evening, Clark College's men's basketball team fought valiantly but secured an impressive 82-73 victory over Umpqua Community College. The game, held at Clark's home court, showcased both teams' determination and skill in Northwest Athletic Conference play.

Clark College entered the contest riding momentum but met stiff resistance from an efficient Umpqua squad that held a dominant lead early in the game. The Penguins showcased resilience and skill, holding their ground to secure a crucial win.

Game Highlights:

• Umpqua's Bowen Davies turned in a stellar performance, recording a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds. His presence in the paint proved to be a decisive factor.

• Clark's Theo McMillan led the Penguins with 23 points, showing grit and composure throughout the game while shooting an impressive 43% from the field.

• The Penguins made multiple attempts to close the gap, including a late-game surge that reduced Umpqua's lead to single digits in the second half.

First-Half Momentum Clark established early momentum in the first half, shooting 39.8% from the floor to maintain a competitive edge. Turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Umpqua to capitalize on fast breaks and secure a commanding 41-36 lead by halftime. Despite these challenges, standout efforts from Jackson Esary, who contributed 18 points and five rebounds, kept Clark in contention.

Second-Half Resurgence The Penguins fought back in the second half, tightening their defense and forcing Umpqua into key turnovers. Terrell Moorer Jr. made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, adding 14 points and seven rebounds. Clark narrowed Umpqua's lead to just four points with three minutes remaining, igniting hope among the home crowd. Timely baskets and clutch free-throw shooting by Clark in the final minutes sealed their victory.

Key Statistics

• Clark shot 39.8% (33-for-83) overall and struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 2-of-19 attempts (10.5%).

• Umpqua showed efficiency with 43.9% shooting (29-for-66), including 26.7% from three-point range.

• Rebounding was nearly even, with Umpqua narrowly edging Clark 37-30. Second-chance points (12 for Clark) kept the Penguins alive late in the game.

• Bench contributions from players like Noah Toastovrsnik and Anthony Sprauer offered critical support, combining for 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Looking Forward The victory improves Clark to an overall record of 11-5 (3-1 in league play), but the team remains in strong position as they prepare for their next matchup. The Penguins will hit the road to face Linn Benton (7-10, 2-2 NWAC) on Monday, January 20th, eager to continue their NWAC campaign.

---

For the latest news and results, follow Clark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date with the latest happenings!