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Utah Tech University Athletics

Larson vs PSU
Rico Del Sesto for DSU Athletics

Men's Basketball John Potter, Media Relations Assistant

Storm Can't Complete Challenge Close-out

DSC loses tough game to Pittsburg State

Box Score

Groskreutz, Owen
LAS VEGAS - Dixie State College held the lead during the final media timeout of Wednesday's game against Pittsburg State. A 10-4 Gorilla run marred by missed shots and miscues enabled the visitors to snatch away the championship title at the 2012 Las Vegas Challenge, 67-63.

Dixie State dropped to 7-4 on the season despite outshooting Pitt State (8-1) from the floor - 41.1 to 38.3 percent.

For the second consecutive game, Steven Larson (South Jordan, UT/Copper Hills) chipped in 15 points and five rebounds. Dalton Groskreutz (Santa Clara, UT/Snow Canyon) and DeQuan Thompson (Las Vegas, NV/Lake Mead Christian Academy) had 11 points a piece.

The Gorillas raced out to a 23-9 lead in the first half behind 14 first half points by freshman guard Kaleb Porter. Dixie State countered to pull within three points before a personal foul and subsequent technical allowed Porter to drain four free throws, bouncing the lead back to seven.

Pitt State took the lead back up to 10, at 48-38. DSC buckled down of defense and capitalized on transition opportunities during a 13-3 run that ties the game at 51-51.

With 3:39 left, Thompson found room in the paint for a lay-in and a four-point lead. PSU scored five of the next six points before Zach Robbins (Upland, CA/Upland) banked in a jumper for the Storm's last lead, 63-62 with 1:25 on the clock. Those would be the last points DSC scored.

Dixie State had chances in the final three possessions. But a turnover, a missed layup and a missed 3-pointer left the Storm out in the cold. PSU used a go-ahead lay-in and three free throws to close on a 5-0 winning run.

The Storm turned the ball over 12 times on the night and Pitt State took advantage scoring 15 points off the mistakes. The 15-11 advantage in that statistical category proved to be the same as the final margin of victory.

Dixie State is off for the remainder of the month of December. The Red Storm return to action on Jan. 2, 2013, for a non-conference matchup with Pacifica (CA) College. Tip from the Burns Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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