VANCOUVER, WA – The Clark Penguins are headed to the postseason after a commanding second-half performance lifted them to a 78-64 victory over Southwestern Oregon on Saturday afternoon at O'Connell Sports Center.

Trailing 34-31 at halftime, Clark erupted for 47 second-half points to secure the crucial win, improving to 10-4 in conference play and 18-8 overall. With the victory, the Penguins officially punched their ticket to the playoffs, with two games remaining in their regular-season campaign.

Theo McMillan led the way for Clark, stuffing the stat sheet with 19 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in a full 40-minute effort. Jackson Esary followed closely behind with 18 points and nine boards, while Beau Swett contributed 13 points, including four three-pointers. Noah Tostovrsnik and Zion Milare also reached double figures with 12 and nine points, respectively.

Southwestern Oregon (20-8, 9-6) controlled the tempo in the first half, shooting 44% from deep and holding a slim advantage at the break. However, Clark's defense stepped up in the second frame, limiting the Lakers to just 38% shooting and 25% from three-point range after halftime.

The turning point came midway through the second half when Clark went on a 12-2 run, fueled by back-to-back threes from Swett and Milare. The Penguins never looked back, stretching their lead to as many as 22 points with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Logan Deal led Southwestern Oregon with 14 points off the bench, while Luke Fotheringham and Quinton Christman chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively.

Next up the penguins host Linn-Benton (12-15, 7-7 NWAC) at O'Connell on Monday, February 24th.

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