FROST AT THE FREE THROW LINE
FELLS SNOW
by Rick Pike

Dixie Wins Close Contest Between Rivals 72-67

EPHRAIM, UTAH-December 10, 2005-In a closely contested game between rivals it often comes down to free throws. Dixie State made 23-28 free throws while Snow sank 18-28 Saturday. The five-point difference was the margin of victory for the Rebels who defeated Snow 72-67. The Badgers fall to 0-3 in conference play and 8-4 overall.

Made and missed free throws weren't the only story line in this game. It was also a tale of two halves. One of the emerging characteristics of the Badgers this season is their efficiency offensively and defensively under Coach Roger Reid. Snow shot 54% from the floor in the first half - making 15 of 28 shots. On the defensive end, they allowed Dixie only 19 looks at the basket en route to a 10-point halftime advantage.

The second half was a reversal of fortunes. The Rebels opened up with an 11-1 run and held on to a two to five point advantage for the final ten minutes. During the final minutes, Rawley Loutensock made 4-4 from the free throw line (8-8 for the game) to help seal the Dixie win. Loutensock, a former Badger, led the Rebels with 19 points.

Geoff Payne led Snow with 26 points and seven rebounds but made only 10-17 free throws. Dante Hall scored 22 points with eight rebounds for Snow. No other player was in double figures for Snow.

The Badgers will be idle until December 28 when they travel to Scottsdale for a tournament. Snow resumes league play January 7 when they host North Idaho at 7:30 p.m. in the Activity Center.