The Whatcom Community College men's basketball team opened the NWAACC Championship with a 77-51 victory over Centralia on Saturday, March 2, at the Toyota Center in Kennewick.

Kyle Impero led all scoring with 21 points, Daniel Nielsen had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Eric Fongue added 10 points and Zach Stalin had nine points and 12 rebounds for the Orcas.

Van Lockett and Jordan Dam each had 10 points to lead Centralia.

Whatcom faces Big Bend in the second round at noon on Sunday, March 3, at the Toyota Center in Kennewick.

With a 10 p.m. start Saturday, the WCC women's game was in progress at press time.

WHATCOM 77, CENTRALIA 51

Centralia: Condale Scott 2, Van Lockett 10, Nick Fuller 0, Zach Carras 1, Patrick Broussard 8, Jordan Dam 10, Mozeek Waggener 5, John Dumetz 9, Miles Waggener 6 Totals 20-62 7-14 51.

WCC: Tyler Clark 0, Daniel Nielsen 14, Alex Duncan 0, Kyle Impero 21, Nicholas Kussman 6, Neilan Pierce 0, Caleb Buchanan 1, Brenan Hartnell 0, Ian Tevis 10, Eric Fongue 10, Zach Stalin 9, Chris Tanis 7. Totals 27-60 13-22 77.

Half: Whatcom 27, Centralia 25

3-ptg: Centralia 4 (Jordan Dam 2); Whatcom 10 (Daniel Nielsen 4). Rebounds: Centralia 35 (Mozeek Waggener 9); Whatcom 40 (Zach Stalin 12). Assists: Centralia 13 (Van Lockett 5); Whatcom 14 (Alex Duncan 5). Fouls: Centralia 16 (Miles Waggener), Whatcom 13. Turnovers: Centralia 10, Whatcom 10.