A 71-48 loss to Stevens wasn’t the best way to begin the week, but thanks to a 55-44 victory over O’Connor, the Clark Cougars ended it on a positive note.

Two victories during the week would have helped the Cougars’ District 28-5A playoff situation, especially considering Stevens (20-5, 8-2), Warren (23-6, 8-2) and Taft (22-8, 8-2) ended the week tied for first.

Even though it didn’t happen that way, the lone win kept the Cougars (17-9, 6-4) tied for fourth place with Jay (13-12, 6-4).

The Cougars could help their cause in a big way this week in contests with Marshall and Warren.

Stevens jumped to a 21-9 first-quarter lead over Clark and the Cougars never recovered. However, they turned the tables against O’Connor. The Cougars got off to a quick start with an 18-10 advantage and stayed in control the rest of the way.

Dermon Smith (16 points) and Elhad Emerllahu (14 points) paced the victory.

Clark’s Lady Cougars’ (4-20, 1-9) playoff hopes faded with this past week’s losses to Stevens (43-38) and O’Connor (55-36).

Lapses continue to plague the Lady Cougars, who have lost eight district games by seven points or less.

The struggles against O’Connor came in the second half as Clark was held to 15 points.

Erin Gardner scored 16 points against Stevens.

Despite the losses, Clark girls coach John Paul continues to see solid effort from his Lady Cougars. He expects to the same type of play during the final five games.

“We have played all season,” Paul said. “A lot of times we haven’t gotten the breaks, but good teams make their breaks.

“It’s not a lack of effort, trying or game-planning. It comes from a lack of intensity in certain spots. We’ll play really well, but there are those few minute spans that cost us. I know they’re going to keep playing hard. We’re going to keep working.”