RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The new year started perfectly for California Baptist University as it defeated Holy Names University 89-65.
 
In the home win—the Lancers' third-consecutive victory—two Lancers had outstanding performances to help lead their to secure a 11-2, 4-1 PacWest record. The Hawks fall to 2-12, 1-5 record in conference with the loss.
 
"We have definitely come a long way since last year," head coach Jarrod Olson said. "I remember they beat us at their place but today was a different game, different players for us and them."
 
Courtney Nelson scored 18 pivotal points for the Lancers, while also contributing six assists and two steals. Kamille Diaz shot an impressive 6-for-9 from behind the arc, finishing the night with 18 points.  
 
Both teams came out fighting tooth and nail to make it an even contest for much of the first period until CBU found its rhythm and took a commanding lead. Diaz went on a hot streak in the first period scoring three-consecutive three-pointers to give CBU the momentum for the rest of the period. With eight minutes left before halftime, CBU went on a run scoring 28 points to go into halftime with 56 points.
 
HNU attempted a comeback and outscored the Lancers in the second frame, but it wasn't enough to earn the victory.
 
Olson has been very pleased with the way the season has gone and thinks this win can build momentum for the rest of the year. Next on the agenda: the Lancers host Dominican—who currently are 6-5, 3-2 in the PacWest—on Thursday to continue its four-game homestand.