BALANCING ACT: SEVEN REACH DOUBLE FIGURES IN ROUTE
1/3/2006 9:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- In 42 meetings since 1965, California Baptist has never lost to Hope International. It took less than 3 minutes to push the streak to 43.
The Lancers took control of the game with a 15-2 run over a 2:25 early in the first half, then gradually increased the margin before coasting to a 96-49 win over the Royals Tuesday night in Riverside.
The win is the Lancers' season-best fourth straight as they improve to 7-4 overall, 2-1 GSAC. Meanwhile, the Royals fall to 0-8, 0-2.
“We're making great progress, and some things are really beginning to come together, especially on the defensive end,” said California Baptist head coach Tim Collins. “Our chemistry is also improving and I like the progress we've made to this point.”
With the game tied 6-6, Sam Davis gave the Lancers the lead for good with a free throw and then just a little more than 2 minutes later, Evan Timperley capped the 15-2 spurt with one of his 3 treys to give the Lancers a 21-8 lead. It was a balanced effort all night, evidenced by the fact that 7 different players scored during the run.
Andrew Bruckner led the Lancers with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Seven of the 9 Lancers that played reached double figures.
“They didn't have anyone that could deal with Bruckner,” said Collins. “He was just too strong. Our inside game with Bruckner, Davis and (T.J.) Arterberry is really improving and playing well right now.”
The Lancers opened an 18 point lead in the closing minutes of the first half before settling for a 43-29 halftime advantage. Bruckner scored 11 of his 17 in the first half.
CBU led by as much as 38 (80-42) when Davis sank a pair of free throws with 5:25 to play. After the Royals scored 7 straight points, the Lancers scored the final 16 points of the game. Again the Lancers were impressive on the defensive end, holding the Royals to just 49 points, their fourth straight game holding the opponent to 65 or less.
Peter Rajniak finished with 16 points. Ron Bailey and Timperley each added 14.
T.J. Arterberry (12 points, 14 rebounds) and Davis (11 points, 10 rebounds) each posted double-doubles. Junior Denson had 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals.
“We're about to get things started in our conference schedule, so it's good to get this win heading into the meat of our schedule,” said Denson. “We have so many new players this year, so it took us awhile to get things going, but things are starting to come together for us. Everyone knows their role, and our defensive is solid.”
Michael Johnson led Hope International with 13 points as the Royals shot just .359 (23-for-64) from the field, including a 1-for-15 (.067) clip from beyond the arc.
