In winning its first five games by an average of 31 points, the Clark College men’s basketball team had a dream start to the season.
Saturday, the Penguins got a wakeup call.
Clark lost to Peninsula College 80-77 in overtime at O’Connell Sports Center.
For coach Alex Kirk, there was little solace in seeing his team claw back from a 16-point deficit early in the second half.
There were simply too many missed assignments, too many moments when effort was lacking and too many missed free throws. Clark shot 14 for 26 from the line.
“I think we think that we’re better than we are,” Kirk said. “All of our breakdowns and lack of execution showed up. (Peninsula) made good plays and they’re definitely the best team we have played this year. Unfortunately that cost us tonight.”
Most frustrating for Clark — the Penguins led 77-72 with 30 seconds to play. But back-to-back 3-pointers by Ryley Callaghan gave Peninsula a 78-77 lead.
Clark guard Eris Windler was called for a charge with 9.2 seconds left. After Peninsula sank two free throws, Clark’s Devon Hawkins misfired from 3-point range at the buzzer.
“To be up five with 30 seconds to go and lose at home is just inexcusable,” Kirk said. “I’ve got to own it because I’m the coach, but our execution was just horrid.”
Five minutes into the game, Clark looked to be headed toward another easy win. The Penguins led 12-0 behind two 3-pointers from Glenn Baral.
But the visitors from Port Angeles responded with a long-range attack of their own. Five 3-pointers fueled a 22-11 run that pulled Peninsula within 23-22.
The Penguins were outscored 16-4 over the last five minutes of the first half and trailed 39-33.
Peninsula extended its lead to 52-36 on Darrion Daniels’ fastbreak dunk with 15:20 to play. But Clark steadily chipped away, eventually taking a 66-65 lead with 2:36 left in regulation.
“We decided to keep it simple and attack gaps when they opened up for us,” said Clark guard Bryan Berg, who had eight of his 14 points in the second half. “We had more effort on the defensive end in the second half.”
Peninsula took a 68-66 lead on Deonte Dixon’s 3-pointer with 30 seconds left in regulation. Clark quickly drove the length of the floor and tied the game when Windler made a driving layup while fouled. He missed the free throw, however.
Baral led Clark with 19 points. Peninsula (5-4) had five players score in double figures, led by Dixon’s 17 points.
Clark next plays at home Tuesday against Centralia.
