Dixie campus briefs

MEN'S BASKETBALL: The Dixie State College men's basketball team led by just six points at the half over the visiting Vulcans of Hawaii-Hilo on Thursday night at St. George. But in the second half, playing at home inside the Burns Arena, the Red Storm dominated nearly every aspect of the game, outscoring Hilo 51-25 over the final 20 minutes en route to a convincing 80-48 Pacific West Conference victory.

Dixie State (19-5, 13-2 PWC) had 12 different players score at least two points, led by Tom Whitehead with 12. Adam Ross chipped in 11 while the trio of Andy Palmer, Donovan Plunkett and Jeremiah Barnes each had eight. Zach Robbins ripped down nine rebounds, with Barnes and Nick Howard each pulling down six.

Dixie State never trailed from the jump, opening up a 10-5 lead after two Robbins free throws. Plunkett's lay-in with 12:29 remaining pushed the lead to 16-7. UHH responded with a 7-0 run over two minutes, capped by a Kevin Bruce 3-pointer. The Storm countered from the line and carried the momentum to the halftime break leading by six.

Control of the game for DSC was established in the first five minutes of the second half. Ross scored nine points in a row during a 15-4 spurt, giving Dixie State a 17-point lead, 44-27. The advantage increased to 20 at the 9-minute mark after a Whitehead 3 and a Palmer lay-up. Seven minutes later, the cushion leaped to 31 on an Everton Araujo jumper.

The final seven points of the game came from John Berger and Aaron Pugh. Berger tipped in a shot and then hit a reverse lay-up. Pugh nailed a wide open 3-pointer from the wing in the final minute.

The Red Storm concludes the Pac West regular season on Saturday afternoon against the Sea Warriors of Hawaii Pacific University. Tip time is scheduled for 3 pm in the Burns Arena. A win over HPU would ensure at least a share of the conference title.

Saturday is also Senior Day. The DSC basketball family will honor Palmer, Howard and Ross before the game for their contributions to the Red Storm hoops program.