Strong End To 2014

Saturday, December 20

Belmont, CA

3:00 PM

California Baptist University

10-1 (4-0)

Notre Dame de Namur

2-9 (1-4)

California Baptist University

Notre Dame de Namur

Photo by: Sammi Wellman

12/20/2014 6:22:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Sammi Sheppard, Director of Sports Information

BELMONT, Calif. — Looking to close out 2014 with momentum heading into the NCAA-mandated break, No. 16-ranked California Baptist University powered through to an 83-56 victory over Notre Dame de Namur Saturday afternoon.

With the win, the Lancers extend their winning streak to six games and improve to 10-1 overall while keeping their PacWest record unblemished at 4-0. The Argonauts drop to 2-9 on the season and 1-4 in conference.

Michael Smith led CBU with 15 points, going 7-for-13, and added nine rebounds, just one board away from a double-double. Chris Brown followed right on his tail with 14 points (6-for-8), dishing out three assists. Taj Spencer continued his offensive prowess, adding 11 points to the Lancers' tally, along with two assists and three steals.

As a team, CBU shot 48.5 percent from the floor and 36.4-percent from three-point range. The Lancers also outrebounded the Argonauts 36-22 to maintain their dominance and held NDNU to just two three-pointers.

The score remained close for most of the first half until CBU made a move with 8:30 left before halftime. Spencer initiated a 10-0 run to push the Lancers in front 35-18.

Despite CBU extending its halftime lead of 39-21 to 23 points, NDNU went on a run of its own to cut the lead under 20 at 46-30, but it was the closest the score would be for the remaining minutes.

The Lancers responded with another double-digit run, capped by a Gelaun Wheelwright shot from distance to put the score at 59-32 in favor of the visitors. Spencer handed CBU its biggest margin of the night at 63-34 as the Lancers ran away with the game to take it, 83-56.

CBU takes a week off before it gets back to work for its first game of 2015 against Holy Names. The Lancers and Hawks tip off on Jan. 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Van Dyne Gym.