The Clark men’s basketball team fell short in Oregon City, losing 103-94 to Clackamas Community College on Wednesday.
The Penguins (7-1), ranked No. 1 in the southern division of the NWAC, could not disrupt the sharpshooting No. 2 Clackamas Cougars (6-2), who shot a blistering 16 three-pointers on the night. Clark will remain top seed of the NWAC south, while Clackamas is now tied with Lane Community College (6-2) for second.
The teams traded points through an offensive onslaught during the first half, tying at 45 after 20 minutes of play. Clark led the half in total field-goal percentage (52 percent), but a barrage of 8 three-pointers rained down from the Cougars backcourt.
Clark’s freshman guard Aubrey Steven put up 21 points, and all of his teammates put points on the board, giving the Penguins a lead by as much as 23 points.
“I hoped this wasn’t the case, but I called it coming in that we were going to get smacked and we did,” said flustered head coach, Alex Kirk, after the loss.
Clark will look to regroup before they host No. 9 Mt. Hood Community College at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 in O’Connell Sports Center.
This will be the Penguins’ second encounter with the Mt. Hood Saints, with Clark winning (85-63) during their first meeting on Jan. 6.
The Saints (1-7) are coming into O’Connell having lost their last seven games.
