MEN'S BASKETBALL: St. George, Playing for the first time in the Burns Arena, the Red Storm of Dixie State College displayed their most dominant exhibition performance defeating Whittier College 105-74 in front of 1,213 fans on Friday night.

Freshman center Zach Robbins had a near perfect night from the floor en route to a double-double, 20 points (10-11 FG) and 12 rebounds. Three other Storm players – starter Tom Whitehead (19) and reserves Jeremiah Barnes (15) & Donovan Plunkett (10) – scored in double figures. The Storm were hot all night shooting 58.6% from the floor (41-70). Every player who saw court time scored at least four points.

Both teams pushed the tempo early in the first half. DSC won the tip leading to a quick Whitehead layup. The Poets immediately responded a three-ball from A.J. Manalo. The rapid action never allowed one team to pull away from another – Dixie State had the biggest lead at eight points (19-11) during the first 15 minutes of the game. With 3:12 left, Zach Corns hit a layup to pull Whittier within five, but Dixie State closed the half with nine straight points – seven from Whitehead – to lead 54-40 at the half.

Dixie State continued the momentum to begin the second opening a 21-point lead in five minutes. Plunkett and Whitehead hit long-distance threes and Robbins cashed in a pair of jumpers during the crucial stretch.

DSC out-rebounded Whittier 48-28 and used that advantage to take 13 more shots on the night.

Whittier was led offensively by Drew Menez and David Hayashi – each had 16 points. DaMon Perry added 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

The Red Storm were without the services of two key veterans. Andy Palmer sat out with sore ribs and Nick Howard missed the game with an ankle sprain.

With the exhibition season completed, Dixie State starts the regular season on Saturday, November 21 at home against Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Tip against the Toros is scheduled for 7:30pm inside the Burns Arena.