Chukars Outlast Penguins in 82-79 Overtime Thriller

PASCO, Wash. - In the first overtime game of the tournament, the Treasure Valley Chukars outlasted the Clark Penguins 82-79 in the opening round of the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe on Friday night at Columbia Basin College.

In a great back-and-forth game, Clark forced overtime as Beau Swett hit a game-tying three with 26 seconds left. Treasure Valley didn't get rattled in the overtime period, outscoring Clark 9-6 as they got the final defensive stand to close out the game.

Ashraf Barsham led the Chukars with a standout performance, scoring 35 points and grabbing 15 total rebounds. Jeremiah Williams also had a notable game with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Kirath Makhar tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Mou Mou's defensive presence was marked by two blocks and 10 rebounds to go with six points.

TVCC led the first half with a 44-42 advantage over the Penguins, largely due to strong inside play, scoring 32 points in the paint. Clark shot 16-for-30 from the floor in the opening half to trail by just two at halftime.

Jackson Esary led the Penguins with 28 points on 10-of-23 shooting, including 7-of-9 from the free-throw line before fouling out in overtime. Theo McMillan was a key playmaker, recording 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, while shooting 6-of-9 from the field. Noah Toastovrsnik was strong on the boards, securing 12 rebounds along with 8 points and 3 assists.

The Chukars head into the Elite 8 round and will take on West Region Champions Lower Columbia on Saturday at 4 p.m.