SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The Dominican University of California men's basketball team pulled away late in the first half for a 85-71 victory over visiting UH Hilo on Saturday in the Conlan Center.

Darius Johnson-Wilson gave the Vulcans the lead on the opening possession and gave Dominican fits all night long. However, the Penguins' first bucket came from Matt Hayes, who would do the same in a night where he matched a career-high 28 points. After he tied the game at 2-2, Josh Ramirez gave Dominican the lead for good less than three minutes into the PacWest Conference contest. The lead remained close until Reverend Maduakor's fast break layup swung the momentum well into Dominican's court and forced the Vulcans to call a timeout in hopes of regrouping. A Dominique Taplin free throw pushed the Penguins' lead to double digits and the lead grew to 42-25 by the half. Dominican pounded the ball inside in the first half, scoring 28 points in the paint and another eight at the free throw line. That helped spread the Vulcans thin with starters Tre Johnson and Dominique Campbell both relegated to the bench with three fouls, though neither would foul out.

A Hayes three-pointer gave Dominican a 20-point lead to get the second half going and the Penguins led by as much as 21. UH Hilo went into a full-court press, which was effective in shaving the lead to 11 with 10 minutes to go. However, another Taplin free throw and Christopher Schwartz-Edmisten's three-point play bumped the lead back to 15. Randan Barinobis' three-point play with 1:01 to go cut the lead to 10. However, Dominican made four free throws and a layup in the final minute to extend the final deficit back to 14.

Hayes' career effort came on 9-of-16 shooting and 9-of-12 shooting from the free throw line. Surprisingly, the Penguins' leading three-point shooter's performance included just one long ball. Taplin recorded his third double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Josh Armstrong added 17 points, one shy of matching his career high, though it may have been his most well-rounded game with eight rebounds, four assists, a steal, and no turnovers. As a team, the Penguins dominated the glass 47-35. All eight Dominican players pulled down at least two and six players pulled down at least five apiece.

Johson-Wilson finished with a team-high 16 points for the Vulcans. Vandyon Lockett added 13 points in the loss.

Dominican's five-game homestand continues on Monday, Jan. 19 when #24 BYU-Hawaii visits the Conlan Center. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. Live video and stats will be available at dominicanathletics.com/live with audio provided by radio.dominican.edu.