No. 2 North Lake Survives Big Test at No. 10 Richland in DAC Opener

DALLAS – Dallas College North Lake survived a big test Saturday, escaping the Dallas Athletic Conference opener with a 72-68 road win at Dallas College Richland Saturday.

The National Junior College Athletic Association Division III No. 2-ranked Blazers won their ninth consecutive game in a rematch of last year's district championship game against the No. 10 Thunderducks. He was 10-for-10 from the free throw line in the second half.

"We battled back to get a win against a tough Richland team," North Lake coach Josh Mills said. "We have things to improve on, and will continue to get better every day."

North Lake improved to 15-4 overall, 1-0 in the DAC. Richland fell to 7-7, 0-1.

Blazers guard Bryson Smith scored a career-high 30 points, going 17 of 18 from the free throw line. He had 19 points in the second half, triggering North Lake's comeback. Smith added five rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The Blazers trailed, 33-29, at halftime before outscoring the Thunderducks, 43-35, in the second half.

Ring Deng was the only other Blazer in double figures. He had 11 points, going 7-for-8 from the free throw line. Randy Woolf finished with nine points, including seven in the first half. Jakob Zenon had eight rebounds and five assists. Anden Holmes and Daylen Webb each grabbed eight boards. 

Richland's Taven Washington scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. Jamille Barnett had 14, and Cjay Ingram 11.

North Lake struggled from the field, going 19 of 54 for 35 percent. The Blazers shot a season-high 31 of 35 at the free throw line. They sank 17 of 18 at the stripe in the second half. Smith's 17 made free throws was a career high.

The Blazers will play at Dallas College Cedar Valley (7-10, 0-1) Wednesday at 6 p.m. North Lake hosts No. 14 Dallas College Mountain View 1 p.m. next Saturday on Alumni Recognition Day.