POMONA – Behind 18 points from William Christmas, the Cal Poly Pomona men's basketball team opened their season with a thrilling 79-75 double-overtime victory over Dixie State in the second game of the CCAA/PacWest Challenge at Kellogg Arena.

Christmas led both squads with 18 points while adding a team-high nine rebounds in the process.

Both teams remained close throughout the night with Dixie State shooting 40 percent from the field and the Broncos shooting 39 percent.

Five Broncos tallied double-digit totals in points. Following Christmas was Quentin Taylor with 14 points while Phoenix Shackelford made his college debut with 13 points. Jeremy Dennis also tallied 13 points and Justin Young added 11.

After ending the first half down 29-28, the Broncos rallied in the second half, taking the largest lead of the night with just over five minutes to go at 61-52.

CPP won the turnover battled, giving up only nine compared to 19 from the Trailblazers, earning 14 points off of DSU's mistakes.

Dixie State wasn't done, however, as they battled back to eventually tie the game at 61-61 with just over 30 seconds left on the clock.

The Trailblazers dominated down low, winning the rebounding margin 62-40.

The Broncos opened the second overtime period with a 10-1 run to break away from Dixie State, capped off by a three-pointer from Shackelford. DSU couldn't overcome the deficit as they battled to within two points before Taylor sealed the victory with two free throws.

CPP returns to action at Kellogg Arena tomorrow night as they close out the CCAA/PacWest Challenge vs. Azusa Pacific at 7 p.m.