DUBUQUE — The William Penn men’s basketball team bounced back in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Wednesday, defeating Clarke 101–92 on the road.

The opening half featured multiple momentum swings. After early back-and-forth scoring left Clarke (4-21, 1-16 Heart) ahead 9–8, the Statesmen (19-6, 13-4 Heart) responded with an 11-point run before the Pride surged back with a 20–3 stretch to claim a 29–22 advantage. William Penn regrouped late in the period, tying the game at 39–39 and briefly moving ahead 45–44 before a last-second Clarke layup sent the Pride into halftime with a one-point edge.

William Penn shot 46.9% from the field and 36.4% from three in the first half, while Clarke connected at 47.1% overall and 30.8% from deep. Malik Larane (Jr., Palmdale, Calif., Sports Management) led all scorers before the break with 19 points.

The second half again opened with tight exchanges until the Statesmen created separation. Holding a slim 70–67 lead, William Penn produced eight unanswered points to stretch the margin to double digits and maintained control down the stretch. Clarke trimmed the deficit to 86–81, but the Navy and Gold answered to secure the 101–92 victory.

For the game, William Penn finished at 50.7% shooting and 31.8% from three, while Clarke shot 48.5% from the floor and 37.5% beyond the arc.

Alif Bass (Jr., Newark, N.J., Sports Management) paced the Statesmen with 25 points, followed by 21 from Larane. Foday Sheriff (Jr., Upper Darby, Pa., Business Management) posted a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds, while Daivion Boleware (Jr., Jackson, Mich., Psychology) and Yonis Mohamud (Jr., Minneapolis, Minn., Sports Management) each contributed 12 points. Chase Page (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Business Management) added 11 points in the balanced offensive effort.

William Penn controlled the boards 42–33, including a 15–12 edge in offensive rebounds that led to a 13–10 advantage in second-chance points. The Statesmen forced 17 Clarke turnovers, converting them into 19 points, while committing 13 turnovers that resulted in 16 Pride points.

“Alif Bass played a great floor game and was physical,” said Head Coach John Henry. “We escaped Clarke again. We give respect and credit to Clarke; they always play us hard and are well coached.”