BOX SCORE | PODCAST

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The Dominican University of California men's basketball team won its second straight game in Pacific West Conference play and third out of four games on Saturday, defeating Notre Dame de Namur University 61-58 at the Conlan Center. The Penguins were led by senior forward Leon Hart's 15 points, including a crucial lead-changing basket and free throw down the stretch.

The first half saw many points beyond the arc for the Penguins (3-17/3-7). Two pairs of three-point baskets came from junior guard Mark Lewis and freshman guard Brendan Holmes. Lewis' three point baskets came in the first half's final minute to extend the Dominican lead to 31-27.

The long range shooting continued into the second half. Redshirt freshman James McKinnon immediately increased the lead with a three-point basket on the opening possession of the half. As a team, Dominican was 6-for-10 (.600) beyond the arc.

With the Penguins leading for the early portion of the second half, the Argonauts' (3-16/1-8) junior guard Cheynne Lishman hit a three pointer, tying the score at 39-39. The basket started a 12-3 Argonauts run. However, Dominican answered with a a 12-5 run of its own, eventually tying the game back at 54-54 on a Lewis jumper in the paint with 1:49 to play. After Lewis broke the scoring drought with a free throw, Hart accounted for the next two Penguin baskets.

On defense, junior guard Xander McNally blocked junior guard Jeff Ford, Hart took advantage by giving Dominican the lead with a layup and free throw after being fouled on his shot. After sophomore center Killian Larson made two free throws, Mollett put the Argonauts within a point by making a three-point basket. Larson was fouled again on the following possession, and made both free throws to extend the Penguins' lead to 61-58 with 5.6 seconds to go. NDNU had a chance to tie the game with Mollett open in the right corner but the shot didn't even graze rim.

NDNU was led by senior Nick Storment with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Lewis added 13 points for the Penguins and Larson added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Dominican will face the Argonauts again on Saturday, March 5 at NDNU as both teams will close the regular season that night. The Penguins head to Dixie State on Thursday, Feb. 10. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Pacific. In the first meeting between the Penguins and Red Storm, Dixie State prevailed 74-52 on Jan. 20.