Thunderducks Advance to Quarterfinals with Win over Northern Essex

HERKIMER, N.Y. – Dallas College Richland men's basketball team separated from Northern Essex Community College late in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III opener at Herkimer College Wednesday, winning 73-68.

The Thunderducks (21-11) will meet Dutchess Community College (25-1) at 12 p.m. CT Thursday in the national quarterfinals.

Richland used 18 points and 15 rebounds from Mannie Odo, who grabbed nine offensive boards and shot 8 of 16 from the field, to pace four starters who reached double figures in the win over Northern Essex (28-4). Cjay Ingram had 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals in 23 minutes. Both Odo and Ingram avoided picking up their fifth foul, finishing with key contributions in crunch time.

Barack Holland had 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting, and Nehemiah Jones added 10 on 5 of 7. Coupled with Odo and Ingram, they combined for 78 percent of the Thunderducks' point production.

Ingram made a layup with 1:28 remaining to give Richland a 64-63 lead. Northern Essex's Javien Kirmil sank two free throws with 48 seconds on the clock to pull the Knights within one. After Holland knocked down a triple, Richland's Trey Wright sank a pair from the stripe to put the Thunderducks up five with 19 seconds to go. Northern Essex's Joendy Rosario hit a 3 to pull the Knights within three seven seconds later. Odo salted the game away with a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining.

Alex Johnson had 14 points, and Kirmil 11 for the Knights, who, like the Thunderducks, shot 26 percent from 3-point range.

Richland was 29 of 70 from the field for 41.4 percent. Northern Essex went 24 of 57 for 42.1 percent.

The Thunderducks forced 20 turnovers, while committing 10.