NATCHITOCHES, La. – On Saturday, the Dallas Christian College men's basketball team competed at the Prather Colliseum in an exhibition game with NCAA Division I Northwestern State University. The Demons shot a blistering 50.7 percent for the game, hovering around that mark in both halves to pick up an 89-67 victory.
This game did not count toward the Crusaders record, as they played their second contest at an NCAA DI opponent in less than a week after going to Tarleton State University on Tuesday. That matchup saw the Crusaders within six in the second half, but this game would be blowout from the starting tip. Northwestern State University rattled off the first 17 points in five minutes and would build a 50-25 halftime lead.
DCC showed its three-point shooting prowess by going 8-for-13 in the second stanza, which helped outscore the Demons, 42-39.
Headlining the three-point threat were
Royce Mendez (5-6) and
Tyjuan Battles (4-5). The duo led the Crusaders respectively in scoring with 17 and 16 points. That scoring tandem each just missed one field goal.
Nick Erves was the other double-digit scorer with 13 points and contributed a 3-for-5 result from downtown.
Joseph Allen picked up four blocked shots and his brother Jarius Allen dished a team-high 23 assists. A day after the
Crusaders blitzed Ozark Christian for their first regular season win thanks to 15 made three-pointers, they chimed in 13 against the Demons. DCC held a 23-17 advantage on assists. The visitors were able to keep up athletically by being outdone on the fast break by two (16-14).
Northwestern State University was paced offensively by Jalen King with 17 points. Zurabi Zhgenti put in 12 points, while Emareyon McDonald followed with 11 and dished four assists for second on the team. All 10 players tallied at least six points for the Demons. The size difference was apparent with a 60-18 edge for points in the paint.
The Demons improved to 2-8 overall with the victory.
Dallas Christian swings its focus towards final exams this week before one last game prior to Christmas break. It will be the team's third NCAA DI opponent in four games and second in a row versus a member of the Southland Conference, McNeese State University. Tip-off on December 18 is at 4 p.m.
"Dallas Christian educates and mentors students to be people of influence engaging in their calling to the work of Christ in the church and in the world."
