KENNEWICK — The Clark College men’s basketball team battled back and forth with Bellevue College and came out with the 54-51 win.
The Penguins (23-6) had their hands full with the Bulldogs (26-5) at the Northwest Athletic Conference tournament Sunday afternoon. Clark head coach Alex Kirk even called Bellevue the toughest team they were to face during this tournament.
“Bellevue could win a championship,” Kirk said. “(The Bulldogs) are a high-caliber team, they are deep and they showed it all game. We were never able to get away from them until the final buzzer.”
The highest lead for Clark came in the beginning of the second half, with a 12 point differential.
With 7 seconds left in the game the Bulldogs were within two points, Clark forward Antony Dunn was sent to the line to shoot two free throws and sunk both, sealing the win for his team.
Both teams struggled to make their shots, both shooting under 36 percent for the game.
Clark guard Evan Garrison said the win had everything to do with the Penguins’ defensive effort.
Garrison had eight points, five rebounds and four assists. Orlando Vance and Bryan Berg also contributed eight points each. Darrius Mathis lead Clark with nine points. (Click here for complete boxscore)
“It was ugly, but it was a win,” Garrison said. “The great thing about these guys is that we are a team, and we know when it’s time for us to step up.”
“When we recognize that we have been missing our shots, that’s when we start to step up and help one another out,” Mathis said. “We have come this far and realize what it takes to win.”
The Penguins play in the 8 p.m. Monday semifinal against fellow West region team Green River. The Gators beat Lane 64-55 Sunday. Clark and Green River (23-10) split their two meetings this season, each winning at home.
“We know Green River really well,” Kirk said. “Looking for this game to be a big one for Clark.”
