LAIE, Hawaii — Coming off a big high after defeating No. 14 Azusa Pacific, No. 17-ranked BYU-Hawaii exploded onto the scene Saturday, stunning No. 16 California Baptist University. The Lancers put in a huge comeback attempt—overcoming a 25-point deficit—but ran out of time as the Seasiders took the game 100-87.
 
With the loss, CBU drops to 15-4, 9-3 in the PacWest. BYUH improves to 17-2 overall and 11-2 in conference.
 
Four Lancers finished the night in double figures, led by Gelaun Wheelwright with 20 points. Michael Smith followed with 19 (8-for-9), while Taj Spencer added 16 points (5-for-12) and Ryan Berg scored 15 points on the night.
 
Shots didn't seem to fall for the Lancers, while everything seemed to be just right for the Seasiders as they opened the first half with shooting above 75-percent from both inside and out of the three-point arc.
 
Still, the Lancers kept their heads up and ended the first half on a positive note. Down by 20, CBU closed out the half with a 12-2 run to cut the margin in half. Smith sparked the run with a jump shot, while Berg finished it with an arching shot from distance just before the halftime buzzer sounded.
 
Hoping to put the first half way behind them, CBU had work to do in the second half as it hit the floor trailing 53-43.
 
The Lancers cut the lead into single digits off a Wheelwright jumper, 55-47, but BYUH brought its margin back up to 10. CBU responded once again with another run, 7-1, to cut the lead back down into single digits at 58-54.
 
After Spencer slammed in a dunk, the Lancers needed a big stop on defense. Trevone Williams provided just that with a huge defensive rebound, which led to Spencer getting sent to the line. He finished his free throw to bring the score to 70-67 with 11:15 left to play.
 
CBU kept the momentum going as Chris Brown snatched up a defensive board and went coast-to-coast to put the score line at its closest, within one at 70-69. Despite the momentum, the Lancers couldn't quite shake its first half completely, dropping the game 100-87.
 
The Lancers have just a day of rest before hitting the wood once more on this brutal trip, heading to Hawaii Pacific on Monday. CBU and the Sharks tip off at 8:30 p.m. PST before the Lancers return home to host rival APU on Saturday, Feb. 7.