HONOLULU, HI- The Swords fell in an intense game with Dixie State tonight in front of a large, boisterous crowd at McCabe Gym by a score of 72-69.
Dixie State came out early and led 4-0 in the opening minutes. The Silverswords clawed back, but Dixie State took a 30-22 lead into halftime.
The Swords looked to be in a tough spot early in the second half as Dixie State led 47-34 with just over 14 minutes remaining in front of a packed house at McCabe Gym. A three-pointer by sophomore
Dominique Cooks (Wollongong, AUS/ Holy Spirit College) gave the Swords the lead 63-61 with just over three minutes remaining. Dixie State's Tom Whitehead hit a three to respond and the Red Storm went up 64-63.
With twelve seconds left and the Red Storm up 70-69, Dixie State's Donovan Plunkett fell down near center court, and a foul was called on the play. Plunkett hit both free throws to put the Red Storm up 72-69.
Steven Bennett's three with seconds left just missed and Dixie came away victorious.
Junior center
Mamadou Diarra (Bamako, Mali/Stoneridge) finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Dixie State was impressive from the free throw line, shooting 19-20 for the game.
Junior
Chris Curtis (Tustin, CA/Tustin) added 12 points (6-10 shooting) for the Swords, while junior
Matt Cousins (Santa Rosa, CA/Cardinal Newman) added 6 points and 4 rebounds. CUH guard
Dominique Cooks (Wollongong, AUS/ Holy Spirit College) tallied 13 points and 3 rebounds in thirty minutes of action.
All Pac-West performer
Steven Bennett (Los Angeles, CA/Dorsey) finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists on the night.
The Swords and Red Storm tied in the rebounding battle 30-30.
Dixie State was led by Donovan Plunkett with 18 points.
Chaminade moves to 19-8 with the loss, 12-3 in the Pac West. Dixie State goes to 19-6, 12-3 in the Pac West with the win. The Swords are back in action on Senior Night against BYU-Hawaii at home on March 5th at 7:30 PM HT. The Seasiders are 17-7 and 12-3 in the Pac West.
