Clash of the Tritons

Tuesday, November 24

La Jolla, Calif.

7:00 PM

California Baptist University

6-1

UC San Diego

3-0

California Baptist

UC San Diego

Photo by: Sammi Wellman

11/24/2015 8:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Sammi Sheppard, Director of Sports Information

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Hours after a seven-spot jump in the latest NABC/Division II Coaches' Poll, No. 4-ranked California Baptist University had to face some adversity Tuesday night. UC San Diego — which entered the matchup receiving votes in the poll — put up a fight and pulled away with a 76-67 victory.

Coming into the game, both teams held unblemished records, but it was the Tritons who remained undefeated, improving to 3-0 on the year. The Lancers fall to 6-1 with their first loss of the season.

Michael Smith led three Lancers scoring in double figures, finishing the night with 20 points (6-for-13) and 10 rebounds for the double-double. Taj Spencer added 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting, while Trevone Williams grabbed 12 points (5-for-8).

For the first time this season, CBU found itself trailing by double-digits, 39-27, with under a minute remaining in the first half. Gelaun Wheelwright sank two shots at the line to put the Lancers down by 10 at the break.

Looking to turn things around in the second half, CBU forced a turnover in the Tritons' first possession of the frame.

UCSD managed to keep the Lancers from scoring on their first possession, but CBU stayed the course and started chipping away at the margin. Smith hit two shots at the charity stripe and then Williams sank a three to put the score within single digits once more.

The Tritons regained their double-digit lead, 50-40, but CBU stayed on their heels. Kalidou Diouf found Jordan Heading under the basket to make it an eight-point game.

Williams sank a three and followed by driving to the basket to start a mini run and put CBU within seven, 54-47. Wheelwright hit both of his chances at the free throw line to keep the run going, but UCSD scored before the Lancers could grab too much momentum.

Spencer drew a foul in the key and finished both his free throws, putting CBU within five and knocking on the Tritons' door, 56-51. UCSD seemed to have a response for every CBU basket, however, clinging to a five-point lead heading down the stretch.

Smith grabbed an offensive board and laid it in, putting the Lancers within one possession, 60-57. Spencer drove through traffic to make it even closer with CBU trailing by just one.

The Tritons hit crucial shots to build back their lead but CBU kept fighting in the remaining two minutes of the game. Smith completed an old-fashioned three-point play to put the Lancers back within four, 69-65, but couldn't get a stop on defense.

Despite its efforts, CBU couldn't foul back into the game, falling 76-67.

The Lancers return home to host the Ayres Hotel Thanksgiving Classic Friday and Saturday. CBU tips off each night at 7:00 p.m., taking on Concordia (Ore.) Friday night and then New Mexico-Highlands on Saturday.