ST. GEORGE, Utah - Josh Rodriguez had 24 points, including the tying basket with four second left to send the game to overtime, but Dixie State outlasted Rodriguez the Point Loma men's basketball team, 83-80. (Dec. 19)
 
This was the fifth overtime game already this season for the Trailblazers (7-4, 4-1 PacWest). It was also the sixth straight contest the Sea Lions (5-6, 2-3 PacWest) have alternated between a win and a loss.
 
Rodriguez helped fuel an early 3-point barrage for Point Loma which saw the Sea Lions hit seven of its first 10 3-point attempts to build an 11-point lead (26-15) midway through the first half. Dixie State cut into that lead with a 10-0 run and a 3-pointer right before the half gave the Trailblazers the 39-37 lead at the half.
 
That run would extend into the second half and reach 32-13 before the Sea Lions put out the fire with 13:22 remaining. PLNU cut the lead to one point (63-62) with just under seven minutes but could not tie or take the lead. They trailed by seven (72-65) with 2:35 remaining and that is when they finally hit their run. PLNU scored seven straight points down the stretch, aided by some missed free throws and a turnover, and capped off by a great one-on-one layup by Rodriguez against Dixie State's Trevor Hill with just four seconds remaining.
 
In the overtime period, Rodriguez gave Point Loma its first lead since the first half on a 3-pointer (75-74) but he fouled out two possessions later and the Sea Lions did not their offensive rhythm over the final three minutes as they fell in overtime for the second time this season.
 
Rodriguez finished the contest with 24 points, going 5-of-6 from behind the arc, and seven assists. Sterling Somers had 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting and seven rebounds. He also fouled out. Tanner Lancona just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
 
Brandon Simister had 21 points to pace the Trailblazers. Josh Fuller had 17 points and six rebounds.
 
The difference in the game was Dixie State's ability to generate more easy baskets. The Trailblazers went to free throw line 33 times (making 18) compared to just 11 times for Point Loma (six makes). DSU also won the turnover battle 14-9, and outscored the Sea Lions 22-9 on points off turnovers. PLNU took 41 of its 65 shots from beyond the 3-point line, making a season-high 14.
 
PLNU will take a break for Christmas before returning to play in a non-conference contest against San Diego Christian on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.