"Empty the tank" is a slogan adopted by coach Jesse McClung's SMWC men's basketball earlier this season
The high-energy, relentless effort the slogan signifies was on display on the Hamilton Arena court for 40 minutes Saturday as the Pomeroys thrived offensively and continued to build momentum from the defensive end. 
SMWC (14-4, 8-0 River States Conference) remained alone atop the RSC standings with a 99-73 rout of Alice Lloyd College, maintaining momentum going into a huge road trip to RSC-East leading Point Park and Shawnee State.
The Pomeroys shot a blistering 58 percent in the first half and hit 9 of 17 from 3-point range in the first 20 minutes to take a 52-33 lead into halftime.
The Pomeroys' exploded for a 14-0 run over a 3-minute, 7-second span that began at the 9:13 mark to take a 44-25 lead.
Tarik Dixon, who scored 17 points off the bench, had 10 of those 14 points with two 3-pointers, a layup and a 2-point jump shot.
"I give huge credit to my teammates and coaching staff. They've had the utmost confidence in me and have continued to push me daily in such an encouraging way," Dixon said. "My results reflect the work I've put in daily."
Cobie Barnes had 18 of his 24 points in the first half, connecting on three 3-pointers. The Pomeroys finished with a season-high 12 3-pointers, hitting 38.7 percent from long range.
Greg Johnson also connected on four 3-pointers, a season-best, and finished with 14 points.
Shon Tupuola added nine points, 11 rebounds and a single-game school-record five blocked shots.
DaMeriz Merriweather matched Dixon's effort off the bench with 17 points and added four assists.
 
UP NEXT
The Pomeroys visit Point Park, ranked 21^st in the coaches poll, on Thursday before a trip to Shawnee State on Saturday. The Pioneers and Bears are tied atop the RSC East at 7-1.
Dixon will face former teammates Keith Germain, Elkin Ramirez and Landon Ray at Shawnee State, which is coached by former Pomeroys' coach Mike Hunter.
"I know that's going to be a fun one," Dixon said. "With our group, we've done an amazing job of taking it one game, taking it one step at a time. Even (Saturday's) game, it's tempting to take it for granted, think about next week. We had to focus on getting the job done. We'll do the same thing going into Thursday."
 
NEWS AND NOTES

• It was the program's first win against the Eagles, with last season's losses by 29 and 40 points.
• SMWC outrebounded Alice Lloyd 47-33 on Saturday, moving up to 12th in the nation in rebounding margin (+10.6). 
• During league games, SMWC leads the RSC in rebounding at 47.1 per game. Point Park (45.2) is second.