Men's Basketball Pulls Out OT Win over Bees to Claim No. 2 Seed in District Tourney

NJCAA DIII South Central District Tournament

DALLAS – Dallas College Richland's seventh-ranked men's basketball team beat Dallas College Eastfield, 86-83, in overtime Saturday to end the regular season on a four-game winning streak.

The Thunderducks (15-8, 8-2 Dallas Athletic Conference) will enter this week's National Junior College Athletic Association Division III South Central District Tournament as the No. 2 seed. Richland will play the highest remaining seed after Tuesday's quarterfinals in Thursday's 8 p.m. semifinals at Dallas College North Lake.

Richland led by six with 2:23 remaining in regulation after Taven Washington sank two free throws. Eastfield (17-13, 6-4) scored the next six points, tying the game at 76-76 on Dezmon Dudley's turnaround jumper in the paint with 21 seconds to play. The Thunderducks were whistled for an offensive foul on the next possession, giving the Harvester Bees a chance to win it with three seconds on the clock, but the Bees' desperation heave from half court at the buzzer was off the mark, sending the game to overtime.

Cjay Ingram hit a driving layup with 38 seconds left in the extra period to put the Thunderducks ahead, 83-78. After the Bees scored on the next possession to make it a one-possession game, Richland's Jamille Barnett sank two free throws with 21.6 seconds to go to push the lead back to five. Washington, who finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and two steals, split a pair at the free throw line with 13.4 seconds on the clock to put the Thunderducks up, 86-81. Eastfield's Delkedric Holmes hit a running floater on the next trip down the floor to cut it to three again. After Richland came up empty at the line, following an Eastfield foul, the Harvesters had one last chance, but the contested shot was off the mark, and Richland prevailed.

Barnett had 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jhi Jackson had 14 points and seven boards. Ingram had 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. DeWaun Mims had 12 points.

Dudley led Eastfield with 18 points on 5 of 10 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Jamaari Greene had 17 points and five rebounds. Joshua Williford and Holmes each scored nine points, and Jayden Jackson had eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

The Thunderducks were 26 of 38 from the free throw line. The Harvester Bees went 22-for-37 from the stripe.

Richland outrebounded Eastfield, 54-29. The Thunderducks had 15 offensive rebounds.

Richland finished 9-2 at home this season.

The Thunderducks will enter the postseason tournament as the No. 2 seed for the second year in a row.  

Fans can purchase tickets to this week's South Central District Tournament HERE.