Knight and Day

Saturday, January 10

Riverside

7:00 PM

California Baptist University

13-1, 7-0PW

Academy of Art

3-9, 1-5PW

Academy of Art

California Baptist

Photo by: Jacob Gonzalez

1/10/2015 9:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Sammi Sheppard, Director of Sports Information

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The last time California Baptist University and Academy of Art tipped off, extra time was needed for someone to walk away victorious. Saturday night's rematch only needed 40 minutes as the No. 11-ranked Lancers powered through to a 79-69 victory in front of a packed Van Dyne Gym.

With the win, CBU extends its streak to nine-straight, moving to 13-1 overall and a perfect 7-0 in the PacWest. The Urban Knights fall to 3-9 on the season and 1-5 in conference after suffering the loss.

Three Lancers finished the game scoring in double figures, led by Taj Spencer's double-double. The junior grabbed 22 points (7-for-13) with 10 rebounds on the night. Gelaun Wheelwright added a team-high 24 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field and a 4-for-7 performance from distance. Trevone Williams rounded out the trio with 10 points (4-for-8).

CBU opened on a 7-0 run to set the tone early. Spencer scored the first four points of the night, while Williams hit a three to cap the run. Within six minutes, the Lancers had established a double-digit lead, but the Urban Knights fought back to bring the score within five at 17-12.

The single-digit margin didn't last, however, as CBU closed out the first half on a 7-2 run to hold a 42-29 upper hand at the break.

After ArtU scored the first bucket of the second frame, CBU went off on another 7-0 run to jump in front by 18. Williams sparked the run with a jump shot and Jordan Giusti sank a three from the corner to put the home team in front 49-31.

The Urban Knights tried to cut the Lancers' lead back into single digits, but CBU had other plans. Leading 51-35 with just under 14 minutes to play, the Lancers scored eight unanswered points to go up by 24 (59-35).

Spencer battled to the basket to put his team in front 72-54 as the two teams headed down the stretch, looking like CBU just needed to coast the remaining minutes.

ArtU managed to drop CBU's margin under 20 points, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback as the Lancers closed out the 79-69 win.

With its third game in six days over, CBU will rest up and get back to work Monday to prepare for Point Loma. The Lancers and Sea Lions tip off at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17.