RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Despite riding some strong momentum, California Baptist University had a rude awakening early Saturday evening. The Lancers—who had entered the contest with a five-game winning streak in tow—found themselves trailing by double digits at halftime, needing to overcome an uphill battle.
 
Attempting a come-from-behind victory, CBU overcame a 21-point deficit to bring the score within one possession but wasn't able to take control of the score, dropping the contest 75-67.
 
The Lancers fall to 13-3 on the season and 6-2 in the PacWest. The Sea Lions improve to an even 8-8 overall and 6-3 in conference.
 
Courtney Nelson was just one point shy from her career-high, leading the Lancers with 29 points (11-for-27). Darsha Burnside was the only other Lancer to finish in double figures, grabbing 16 points on 4-for-9 shooting. She also grabbed a staggering 20 rebounds for CBU, 12 of which were on defense.
 
After beating its last five opponents by 20 or more points, shots weren't falling in the first half for CBU. Tied at 12-12, Point Loma went on a 10-0 run to take its first major cushion of the night. The Sea Lions kept pressing and built up a 34-20 margin at the break.
 
Determined to battle back into the game, Nelson completed a three-point play after driving to the basket and drawing a foul, hoping to spark some offense into the Lancers. Still down by double-digits, CBU started to make a move and cut the Sea Lions' lead to 13 points on a layup from Olivia Weber.
 
PLNU pushed its lead to its highest of the night at 52-31, before Nelson hit a big three and Chanel Cambronero kept the run going with a layup to cut the score to 52-39.
 
With less than eight minutes on the clock, CBU started turning up the full court press and brought itself within 11 points after Nelson knocked down another three. A Sea Lion turn over led to a Kamille Diaz three, putting the Lancers just eight points behind the visitors at 59-51.
 
Heading down the stretch and feeling energized, Erin Asher found Burnside under the basket to put the score at 61-57 and shift momentum in the Lancers' favor.
 
CBU made crucial stops on defense and brought itself within one possession at 63-60 with just under three and a half minutes remaining. The Lancers tried to foul into the game, but PLNU held a 72-67 lead as the shot clock turned off.
 
The Sea Lions held off the remaining 20 seconds to take the 75-67 win.
 
CBU hits the road for five games, heading to Dixie State for a 5:00 p.m. tipoff on Monday. The Lancers return to Van Dyne on February 7 to host rival Azusa Pacific, also at 5:00 p.m.