Two division games in the books and both the Clark College men’s and women’s basketball teams are standing at 2-0.
The Clark men won their sixth consecutive game, topping Highline 62-60 in overtime on Saturday, while the Clark women won their second straight with a 79-58 victory at Highline.
MEN: CLARK 62, HIGHLINE 60 — Down 33-17 at halftime, the Penguins rallied for their second narrow victory over Highline this season.
Clark coach Alex Kirk said he challenged the players at halftime “to do the things they are capable of.”
“The reality was we were surprised by their intensity in the first half,” Kirk said. “It kinda had us on our heels. We didn’t match their intensity.”
The Penguins (9-2) responded by outscoring Highline 34-18, holding the Thunderbirds (5-7) to 25 percent shooting and sending the game into overtime.
Another key to the comeback was hitting free throws down the stretch.
Sean Price led Clark in scoring with 18 points and eight assists. Phillip Hertz had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Stanthony Nelms had 14 points and Daniel Moore 12.
Clark had defeated Highline 83-79 at the Umpqua crossover on Dec. 16.
Click here for Saturday’s boxscore
WOMEN: CLARK 79, HIGHLINE 58 — The Penguins made 50 percent of their shots from the field including 62 percent in the second half to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Dom Johnson scored 18 points, Andrea Smith 15 and Taylor Jackson 13 for the Penguins (4-8).
The Clark defense held Highline (7-6) to 39 percent shooting for the game.
Both Clark teams travel to Auburn on Wednesday to play Green River.
Click here for Saturday’s boxscore
