NAMPA, Ida. — It came down to the finish, but California Baptist University closed out a 96-94 victory over Northwest Nazarene Saturday afternoon.

The Lancers improve to 2-0 on the young season, while the Crusaders drop to 0-2.

"We came away with two wins," said CBU guard Kamille Diaz. "We couldn't be happier."

As it often is with high scoring games, multiple Lancers finished the night with double-digit points.,Cassidy Mihalko led both teams with 24 points on the night on 6-for-8 shooting. Darsha Burnside continued her impressive CBU debut with 20 points (6-for-12) and 13 rebounds for a double-double, along with six blocked shots. Diaz (4-for-15) and Courtney Nelson (4-for-11) rounded out the Lancers in double figures, grabbing 17 and 12, respectively.

"We made plays when we needed them," said head coach Jarrod Olson. "Darsha played really well again and Cassidy scored with great efficiency."

CBU came out strong and scored the first points of the night off consecutive three-pointers from Diaz and Mihalko. The Lancers built up to a double-digit cushion at 20-9, but the Crusaders weren't about to back down and evened the game at 29-29. Diaz finished two shots at the line to give CBU a 43-39 lead before halftime.

The battle continued in the second half as the Crusaders cut CBU's lead into single digits before the two teams headed down the stretch. Intensity built in the last five minutes as NNU went on a 9-0 run to take the lead at 84-82.

Despite NNU holding onto a two-possession lead, the Lancers didn't panic as Erin Asher made a crucial jumper with 49 seconds on the clock to cut the score to 92-91. Asher then stole the ball away from a Crusader and sank a shot from distance to put CBU back in front 94-92.

Tied back at 94-94 with less than 10 seconds remaining, Diaz kept her composure and finished two shots at the charity stripe to put the visitors in front 96-94. Megan Brown sealed the deal for CBU with a steal, giving NNU no chance at a buzzer-beater.

"Erin hit two big shots and Kamille hit clutch free throws," said Coach Jarrod Olson. "Hopefully we can continue to build on this win and get ready for some tough games next week."

CBU heads back to California to take on local foe Cal State San Bernardino on Tuesday in San Bernardino. The Lancers open at home on Friday, Nov. 21, against UC Colorado Springs, tipping off at 5:00 p.m.