Size and strength were key contributors as the Dixie State University men’s basketball team took down the Seasiders Thursday night, 88-74.
After beginning the game with a hot start, DSU allowed Brigham Young University-Hawaii to claw its way back into the game.
Though undersized nearly at every position, the Seasiders showed grit as they looked to prove to the Trailblazers that they could hang tight with one of the top teams in the Pacific West Conference.
With impressive shooting beyond the arc, BYU-Hawaii took its first lead at the 7:36 mark in the first half.
As each team continued to trade baskets, the Seasiders took the lead over the Trailblazers heading into halftime, 41-34.
After what must have been a call for more energy and focus from head coach Jon Judkins at half, the Trailblazers came out on a 20-6 run to start the second half. Redshirt senior Marcus Bradley and junior Trevor Hill led the DSU charge.
Bradley put up a career night as he put together a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds, both career highs for him.
Hill also played a solid game by chipping in 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
As the second half went on, the Trailblazers continued to impose their will on BYU-Hawaii backed by likes of Bradley’s four dunks and Hill’s three blocks.
As the Seasiders walked off the court in the Burns Arena for the last time, their effort to control the Trailblazers fell short, 88-74.
DSU welcomes Chaminade University on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as the Trailblazers seek to keep up their four-game winning streak.
