Honolulu, HI- The Swords came out ready to go, jumping all over conference-leading Dixie State early, leading 37-17 midway through the first half of a Pac West conference battle.
Dixie State responded, closing the gap to a 41-36 at the break. The game was tight the rest of the way as Dixie's largest lead was the final score 83-72.
Junior Tom Whitehead made two crucial three point plays down the stretch, each time changing a one possession game to two. Whitehead made a three-pointer late in the shot clock, then moments later got an offensive rebound and put it back plus the foul to help preserve a Red Storm victory.
CUH had four players in double figures, led by junior Steven Bennett with 20 points. Sophomore Matt Cousins added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while freshman Dominique Cooks added 11 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
Chandler Pearson added 12 points and 7 rebounds in 34 minutes.
Whitehead led Dixie State with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
The Swords lost the rebounding battle 38-33.
Chaminade falls to 7-12 on the year, 4-6 in the Pac West. Dixie State moves to 15-4, 9-1 in Pac West play. The Swords are back in action vs. Grand Canyon on February 18th. Game time is set for 7:30 PM HT at McCabe Gym.
