Clippers Top Orcas for First Win

The South Puget Sound men's basketball team got their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon, beating Whatcom 97-93. After dropping their first two road games, the Clippers bounced back at home with a well-rounded scoring effort.

Mekhi Speller-Hale led the way for the Clippers with 21 points, including going 15-16 from the charity stripe. Speller-Hale was joined in double figures by Dahntay Tillman (17), Justin Hicks (13), and Hayden Wakefield (11). 8 other Clippers also chipped in with points.

"It was fun and exciting – we had a lot of dunks, we had some 3's. I think we put on a good show for the fans. We blocked shots, we contested shots. We had a good time" said head coach Jon Willis.

The Orcas were led by Kaleb Smith with 23 points, and also had four other players in double figures.

The Clippers shot 52% for the game and were helped out by an aggressive Orca defense that put them on the free-throw line for 45 total attempts, of which they made 34. SPS also out-rebounded Whatcom 50-35 but gave up 20 offensive boards.

"It was a very emotional experience, I started to tear up with about 2 minutes left in the game. I was just happy for the guys because they've been battling and my staff, they've been working hard" Willis said. "This is something I've wanted to do since I was a junior in high school. For me to get my first win as a head coach – it was joyful. I am thankful to all those who have come before me to pave the way."

The Clippers move to 2-1 on the season and are home again on Tuesday night against Edmonds with a 7:30 tipoff.