KVOA

Posted: Nov 18, 2009 8:35 PM
Updated: Nov 18, 2009 10:05 PM

Corpus Christi -- Perry Clark didn't get all he wanted out of his trip to Lubbock, as his Islanders went 1-2 against the likes of Oregon State (win), Texas Tech and South Dakota at the Duel in the Desert tournament.

But he did get what he wanted out of junior forward Demond Watt.

Watt, who averaged 8.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season, put out 12.7 points and seven boards per night during the three-game tourney, answering a challenge from his coach.

Clark called out Watt in the preseason for not bringing consistent energy to practice and the exhibition game against Incarnate Word. That problem appears to be solved.

"He brought me off the bench to start the year off so I can be more consistent and bring the energy that he expects me to bring all the time, every game," Watt said. "I feel I've responded well to it."

Clark was confident the message would get through.

"Whenever I've come to him and challenged him, he's always responded," Clark said. "So, I was not surprised with the way that he played. I think he's capable of playing that way. I think he's capable of playing better."

Watt will get a chance to do just that Thursday night. The Islanders take on Texas Pan-American in the home opener at the American Bank Center. Tip-off time is 7:05 p.m.