Norton, Mass. – Visiting Clark University raced out to a huge early lead and never looked back, snapping a three-game losing streak with an 82-56 win over host Wheaton College in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) men's basketball action Saturday afternoon at Emerson Gymnasium.

The Cougars connected on a season-best nine three-pointers en route to their largest margin of victory (26) in more than four seasons. Back in the 2006-07 season, Clark knocked off Fisher College, 96-61 in head coach Paul Phillips second game back with the Cougars.

Senior Mitch Renshaw (Rutland, Mass.) came off the bench and scored a season-high 17 points on 7-for-7 shooting for Clark, who also got double digit performances from Jake Gubitose (Fiskdale, Mass.) and Travis Curley (Trumbull, Conn.).

The Cougar defense was outstanding, outrebounding Wheaton 37-20 while holding the Lyons to just 35 percent from the field (18-of-52) – including 22 percent in the first half (5-of-23).

Clark connected on 65 percent of its shots in the first half and built a commanding 39-17 halftime lead.

The Cougars' lead never dipped below 21 points in the second half, and they opened up their largest lead of the afternoon (65-34) on a layup by junior John Karas (South Glastonbury, Conn.) with 7:30 remaining.

Overall, Clark made 62 percent of its shots and picked up assists on 19 of its 31 field goals – including eight from Drew Billington (Fairfield, Conn.).

Gubitose made three three-pointers and finished with 13 points, while Curley chipped in with 11. Billington, meanwhile, had eight points and seven rebounds to go along with his assists.

Brendan Degnan led the Wheaton attack with a game-high 20 points, while Brian Grossman added 13.

Clark (9-10, 2-5 NEWMAC) hosts Babson next Saturday at 1 p.m.