The Whatcom Community College men's basketball team nearly upset top-seeded Big Bend before falling 71-69 in a quarterfinal game of the NWAACC Tournament on Sunday, March 3, at Kennewick.

The loss dropped the Orcas into the consolation bracket.

Whatcom came from 15 points down in the game to take a lead in the final minutes.

Big Bend went on a 26-10 run in the first half to take a 15-point lead just before halftime. In the second half, Whatcom went on a 19-4 run to tie the game at 47-47. The Orcas later took a four-point lead with five minutes remaining, but Big Bend came back behind Brendan Westerndorf, who scored 36 points.

Kyle Impero led the Orcas with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Nicholas Kussman and Ian Tevis each scored 13 points. Tevis also had seven rebounds.

BIG BEND 71, WHATCOM 69

WCC: Daniel Nielsen, Alex Duncan 6, Kyle Impero 20, Nicholas Kussman 13, Caleb Buchanan, Ian Tevis 13, Eric Fongue 7, Zach Stalin 8, Chris Tanis 2. Totals 27-65 13-18 69.

Big Bend: Kevin Walker 12, Brendan Westendorf 36, Cameron Sanchez, Brandon Funston, Kyle Nield 16, Kamen McCullough 3, Ryan Page 4. Totals 27-62 17-21 71.

Half: Big Bend 43, WCC 30.

3-ptg: WCC 2 (Impero 1, Tevis 1); BB 4 (4 with 1). Rebounds: WCC 43 (Impero 11); 35 (Walker 8). Assists: WCC 10 (Impero 4, Stalin 4); BB 9 (Westendorf 3). Fouls: WCC 19, BB 16. Turnovers: WCC 20, BB 17.