Dixie State University earned its 11th win in the past 12 games Wednesday.
After starting the game cold from the field, the Trailblazers separated themselves from Dominican University of California and ran away with a 78-59 victory.
DUC jumped out to an early lead as DSU shot 4-20 from the field to begin the game. The Trailblazers trailed 23-20 before going on a 14-0 run to finish the half and entered intermission leading, 34-23.
DSU controlled the defensive end of the floor in the second half. It forced the Penguins to commit 14 turnovers, which led to transition buckets for the Trailblazers.
The Trailblazers showed improvement from the free-throw line – an area they’ve struggled from all season. They shot 82 percent from the charity strip, which is nearly 20 points better than their season average.
“I thought [free throws] were the key to the game,” head coach Jon Judkins said. “Our offense kind of struggled, but we were getting fouled and making them. If we would have been missing those, our lead could have shrunk quickly.”
DSU sits atop the Pacific West Conference at a record of 8-1. The Trailblazers will head back out on the road as they take on Point Loma Nazarene University Saturday followed by Concordia University Monday.
