ST. GEORGE. Utah (DSC) – Tom Whitehead (St. George, UT/Dixie) scored five points during a 14-4 run as Dixie State pulled away from Notre Dame en route to an 85-71 men's basketball win in Pacific West Conference play  on Tuesday.

            Whitehead finished with 13 as Dixie State (5-0. 10-7) remained undefeated in league play. The Red Storm also kept the Argonauts (0-9. 4-15) winless in conference action.

            Dixie State led just 44-37 with 18:16 left in the game when Trent Henwood scored a basket. But the Argonauts didn't get another basket until Bennie Murray's 3-pointer with 11:11 remaining. Whitehead sparked the Red Storm's run with two free throws and a 3-point basket during that time as Dixide State opened a 58-41 lead.

            The Red Storm opened a 77-51 lead with six minutes remaining. but the Argonauts closed within 73-51 with four minutes left. Dixie State was able to run out the clock from that point.

            Ben Hartman (Santa Clara. UT/Snow Canyon) led Dixie State with 16 points.while Andy Palmer (St. George. UT/Pine View) joined Whitehead with 13 points. Murray led Notre Dame with 19 points while Dan Bergeron added 17 and Henwood had 10.

            After shooting 59 percent from the field in the first half. Dixie State finished the game at 54 percent. The Red Storm had 13 more baskets than the Argonauts. who stayed in the game by converting 29-of-40 free throws to 14-of-18 for Dixie State.

            "I thought we played better tonight." coach Jon Judkins said of the second win in as many nights. DSC beat Notre Dame 59-51 on Monday. "Our energy was better and our defense was better. Offensively we really moved the ball and attacked the inside."

            That. Judkins said. was one key to the Red Storm's hot shooting.

            Dixie State finished with a 33-29 rebounding advantage after trailing in that category much of the game. Christian Wouden (Mantua. UT/Box Elder) led the way with eight while Whitehead had six... Bergeron had 10 for Notre Dame.

            Dixie State will head to Hawaii later this week to play four games. The Red Storm opens against Hawaii-Hilo at 5 p.m. Utah time on Saturday.