ST. GEORGE – Erica Carlson scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a Dixie State College women’s basketball 76-50 win over Northwest Nazarene in the opening game of the GNAC/PacWest Challenge.
Three other Red Storm (6-0 Overall, 0-0 PacWest) players scored in double figures, with Johnna Brown scoring a game-high 18 points, Breann Hill adding 16 points, and Sheila Adams netting 12 points.
DSC committed only 3 turnovers in the first half and Carlson compiled 10 of her 12 points and 10 of her 13 rebounds leading the Red Storm to a 43-23 halftime advantage.
Northwest Nazarene (3-2 Overall, 0-1 GNAC) couldn’t find an answer for the starters of Dixie State. The Red Storm built their second half advantage to as many as 33 points. They also committed for the second consecutive game a season low 15 turnovers for the game.
The Red Storm defense earned eight blocks, won the rebounding battle 58-43 and held the Crusaders to a 25.4 percent from the field. NNU had two players in double figures, Briaunna King scored 12 points and Chelsie King scored 10 points. Beth Johnson added 10 rebounds as well.
Dixie State shot 42.7 percent from the field and hit seven three-pointers for the game. The Red Storm also had a season high 24 assists as a team.
Dixie State will face its toughest test of the year tomorrow night when they do battle with #5 Seattle Pacific University at 3:00 PM in the Burns Arena. Follow all the action live on 91.3 FM or on the internet at www.dixieathletics.com with the “Voice of the Red Storm” John Potter.
GRAND CANYON 74 #5 SEATTLE PACIFIC 69-In the earlier game yesterday, Grand Canyon University used a 14-2 run in the last four minutes of the game to upset #5 Seattle Pacific University.
Samantha Murphy had 27 points, Maylinn Smith netted 16 points and Rosalyn Nelson chipped in 12 points to lead the Antelopes (7-1) to the upset.
For Seattle Pacific (2-1), Nyesha Sims had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Maddie Maloney and Katie Benson each scored 13 points in the loss.
Seattle Pacific will take on the host school Dixie State and Grand Canyon will play Northwest Nazarene at 1 p.m.