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Clark's finale brief

Jim Meehan and Glenn Kasses  •  Staff writers
Published March 18, 2007

Ivory Clark's swan song came in the form of a 2OT thriller. (Associated Press )

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Washington State University loses just one scholarship player to graduation this season, forward Ivory Clark.

Two days after playing a starring role in the Cougars' first NCAA tournament win in 24 years, Clark got the start against Vanderbilt but ended up playing just 15 minutes.

His defense in the first half helped keep Commodore star Derrick Byars under wraps, however, and in his limited time late he blocked a Byars layup with 25 seconds left that could have given Vanderbilt a win in regulation.

"If I was going to go out, it's good that it was to a real quality team like Vanderbilt. They're well-coached," Clark said. "It doesn't feel like it right now, but we've accomplished a lot this season."

WSU coach Tony Bennett, never afraid to employ anyone on his roster, called on seldom-used guard Chris Matthews just 7 minutes into the game.

Matthews hadn't played in the previous eight games, dating back to a 2-minute stint against California on Feb. 10. Matthews, a sophomore from Washington D.C., quickly drained a 3-pointer to bump WSU's lead to 28-21. He made another jumper two possessions later, giving WSU a 30-23 advantage.

"When I first got in I was a little nervous and when I came back to the bench my friends told me there's nothing to be nervous about," Matthews said. "So I just went out and played my game and I'll do anything for the team to win."

Matthews contributed five of WSU's 30 bench points. Vanderbilt only had four points from non-starters.

Center Aron Baynes finished with 14 points and Daven Harmeling chipped in 11.