RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — California Baptist used a balanced attack and efficient offense to defeat Utah Tech 84-72 in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at CBU Events Center. The Lancers (11-6) led 40-31 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 2,012. Utah Tech (9-8) could not close the gap despite shooting 48.1% from the field. Devon Malcolm led California Baptist with 20 points off the bench. Dominique Daniels and Martel Williams added 20 and 17 points, respectively, for the Lancers, who scored 42 points in the paint and committed only five turnovers. Ethan Potter scored 20 points for Utah Tech. Noah Bolanga added 17 points for the Trailblazers, who were outrebounded 14-7 on the offensive glass.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a Western Athletic Conference clash defined by offensive efficiency and a decisive rebounding edge, California Baptist pulled away from Utah Tech for an 84-72 victory on Thursday night at a spirited CBU Events Center. The Lancers, improving to 11-6 overall, leveraged a dominant performance on the offensive glass and a near-flawless offensive rating to overcome a spirited effort from the Trailblazers, who fell to 9-8. The game’s pivotal stretch came late in the first half, where California Baptist transformed a narrow contest into a cushion they would never relinquish. Utah Tech, led by Ethan Potter’s 20 points and Noah Bolanga’s 17, started brightly. The Trailblazers connected on early three-pointers from Chance Trujillo and Jusaun Holt to keep pace. However, the Lancers’ relentless attack on the boards, spearheaded by Thomas Ndong’s early activity, began to tip the scales. California Baptist secured 14 offensive rebounds leading to 18 second-chance points, a stark contrast to Utah Tech’s seven offensive boards. With the score tied at 24-24 late in the first half, the Lancers unleashed a 12-2 run that effectively decided the contest’s trajectory. The surge was fueled by their defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on extra possessions. Devon Malcolm, who came off the bench to score a team-high 20 points in just 16 minutes, began to find his rhythm, while Dominique Daniels and Martel Williams consistently penetrated the Utah Tech defense. The run gave California Baptist a 40-31 halftime lead, a margin that proved insurmountable. The Lancers shot 48.3% from the field and, critically, made 20 of 26 free throws. Their offensive rating of 132.6, scoring 1.326 points per possession, underscored an exceptionally efficient night. Utah Tech, while shooting a respectable 48.1% itself and posting a solid 111.5 offensive rating, simply could not generate enough extra opportunities to close the gap. The second half saw Utah Tech repeatedly attempt to mount a comeback. Potter, a 6-foot-8 forward from Layton, Utah, was a constant presence inside, and Tanner Davis provided a spark with 12 points off the bench. Each time the Trailblazers cut the deficit to single digits, the Lancers had an answer, often from the free-throw line or via a timely three-pointer. California Baptist’s backcourt duo of Daniels and Williams provided the steadying force. Daniels matched Malcolm with 20 points, showcasing a knack for getting to the rim, while Williams added 17 points and a game-high four assists, controlling the tempo. Their combined effort, along with Malcolm’s explosive scoring punch, offset Utah Tech’s balanced attack, which saw four players reach double figures. A key differentiator was ball security. California Baptist committed only five turnovers, translating into just nine points for Utah Tech. Conversely, the Trailblazers’ nine turnovers led to 12 points for the Lancers, highlighting California Baptist’s ability to capitalize on mistakes. The Lancers also owned the paint, outscoring Utah Tech 42-34, a testament to their physical interior play and guard penetration. While both teams made six three-pointers, California Baptist’s ability to supplement their perimeter game with high-percentage interior looks and free throws proved decisive. The victory keeps California Baptist in the thick of the WAC race as they prepare to host Southern Utah on Saturday. Utah Tech, which had won two straight conference games entering the night, looks to rebound quickly on the road at Utah Valley this weekend. The teams are scheduled for a rematch in Riverside on Jan. 21. For California Baptist, the formula was clear: dominate the glass, protect the basketball, and execute at a high level offensively. They accomplished all three, turning what was a projected 86% probability of victory into a concrete 12-point conference win before an announced crowd of 2,012. The final score of 156 points comfortably exceeded the pregame over/under line of 140.5, reflecting the offensive prowess both teams displayed, though ultimately, the Lancers’ extra possessions and efficiency from the charity stripe made the difference.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball matchup tips off Thursday when the California Baptist Lancers host the Utah Tech Trailblazers at CBU Events Center. Both teams enter the contest looking to build momentum in conference play. California Baptist (10-6) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 76-81 overtime loss at Tarleton State on Jan. 3. Utah Tech (9-7) arrives with confidence after a 79-64 road victory at Abilene Christian on Jan. 1. The Lancers will lean heavily on guard Dominique Daniels, who has been a prolific scorer despite the team’s recent struggles. Daniels is averaging 23.7 points over his last six games, including a 34-point performance at Eastern Washington and a 25-point effort in the overtime loss to Tarleton State. Utah Tech counters with its own backcourt standout in Chance Trujillo. The guard is coming off a season-high 19 points in 34 minutes in the win over Abilene Christian. His play has been key for a Trailblazers squad that has won three of its last four. The game features a contrast in recent trajectories. Utah Tech’s victory over Abilene Christian showcased a balanced attack with Jusaun Holt adding 15 points and Tanner Davis contributing 13 points and five assists. California Baptist, meanwhile, has struggled offensively outside of Daniels during its losing streak, scoring just 51 points in a loss at Texas-Arlington on Jan. 1. This marks the first of two scheduled meetings between the programs this season. They are slated to meet again in St. George on Feb. 14. The Lancers hold a slight edge in the overall season record, but the Trailblazers bring winning momentum into Riverside. The outcome may hinge on which supporting cast can provide the most consistent support for their star guards in this key WAC clash. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST on Thursday, Jan. 8.