AUBURN, Wash. — Clark College used its size, depth, and a crushing second-half surge to pull away from Whatcom for a 73–53 win Sunday afternoon at Green River College, improving the Penguins to 3–1 on the season.

After leading 34–29 at halftime, Clark turned the game into a showcase of physicality and rebounding control, overwhelming the Orcas on the glass 58–32 for the afternoon and holding Whatcom to just 24 second-half points.

Ari Richardson set the tone early, scoring 16 of his game-high 19 points in the first period while also grabbing six rebounds. The sophomore guard was efficient throughout, finishing 6 of 11 from the field and a perfect 5 of 5 from the free-throw line.

But it was Clark's balanced interior attack that ultimately broke the game open.

Micah Gentry took over late, scoring 13 of his 18 points after the break. He added six rebounds and two assists, repeatedly getting downhill as Clark stretched its lead to as many as 21 points in the closing minutes.

Tristan Pratt anchored the paint, posting a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. His work on both ends — including two blocks and eight defensive boards in the second half — helped suppress Whatcom's offense, which shot just 28% from the field.

Clark's frontcourt depth added another lift.

• Marcell Roberts delivered nine rebounds and six points off the bench,

• Zion Milare chipped in 10 points and four offensive boards, and

• Noah Tostovrsnik contributed seven rebounds before fouling out.

In total, Clark's bench produced 27 points, outscoring Whatcom's reserves 27–23.

Defensively, the Penguins held Whatcom without a made three-pointer in the second half and limited the Orcas to 2 of 21 from beyond the arc for the game. While Daniel Jackson Jr. (22 points) kept Whatcom competitive early, Clark's pressure and rebounding advantage eventually wore the Orcas down.

By the 3:53 mark of the second half, Clark had pushed the lead to 21 — their largest of the game — and coasted the rest of the way.

The victory caps a strong first week for Clark, which now returns home with momentum and a clearer sense of its interior identity.

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