OLYMPIA, Wash. - In their final game before the calendar turned to 2023, the men's basketball program hosted Clark College in a non-conference matchup. Clark and SPSCC faced off earlier in the season, and Clark came away with the seven-point victory. Friday's matchup was the first game following the holiday break for both programs, and it showed early as the Clippers and Penguins struggled to find their rhythm on offense. Justin Hicks got the Clippers going on offense with 11 first-half points and five rebounds, including three three-point field goals. Joining Hicks' offensive outburst was Jason Montes, who contributed eight points and three assists for South Puget Sound in the opening half. Behind the strong play of the sophomore duo, South Puget Sound took a one-point lead into the halftime break.
The Clippers scored first to open the second half as Hayden Wakefield knocked down a three off an assist from Jason Montes. Most of the second half saw the Clippers and Penguins trade baskets, with neither team taking control until Jha-Barrie Portis made a three with six minutes remaining in the game to give Clark a seven-point lead. However, South Puget Sound showed great resolve and battled back to cut Clark's lead to two points with twenty-four seconds remaining. Following a missed free throw from Clark, Justin Hicks secured the rebound, and the Clippers called timeout. Following the timeout, Alejandro Cybak was fouled while shooting and went to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game. Cybak missed both free throws, but Jazen Guillory secured the crucial offensive rebound and passed the ball to Justin Hicks for a potential game-winning three-point shot as time expired. Hicks' shot clanked off the rim, and the Clippers' comeback fell short. Despite having an attempt to win the game, the Clippers couldn't help but feel like they let a winnable game get away due to their poor free throw shooting. SPSCC connected on seven of eighteen attempts from the foul stripe.
Next up:
The Clippers will open west region play on January 11th at home against Green River with a 7:30 PM tipoff. A live stream will be available on the NWAC Sports Network.