#10 CBU Fends off FPU Comeback

Saturday, December 17

Riverside, Calif.

7:00 PM

California Baptist University

9-1, 3-1PWC

Fresno Pacific

1-9, 1-3PWC

Fresno Pacific

California Baptist

Photo by: Jacob Gonzalez

#10 CBU Fends off FPU Comeback

12/17/2016 10:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Sammi Wellman, Director of Sports Information

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — No. 10-ranked California Baptist University fended off a valiant Fresno Pacific comeback effort to grab an 88-80 victory Saturday night.

The Lancers improve to 9-1, 3-1 in the PacWest, with the result, while the Sunbirds drop to 1-9, 1-3 in conference.

"We need to get better at finishing games," said Coach Rick Croy. "We were fortunate to get away from FPU early and sometimes those are hard games to finish. I thought they made a lot of plays. There were some things we didn't do well, but I think they made a lot of plays."

Four Lancers finished the night in double figures with Michael Smith leading the charge. The senior guard scored 28 points (8-for-15, 11-for-13 FT). Kalidou Diouf followed with 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. Jordan Heading chipped in 12 points, while Casey Norris rounded out the quartet with 10 points (4-for-7). Heading also finished with a career-high seven assists.

CBU out-rebounded FPU 42-to-31 with Jason Todd snatching eight missed shots off the board.

After dropping their first loss of the season last week, the Lancers came out determined to set the tone early and opened on an 18-3 run. Norris got the scoring spree going and Bul Kuol capped the spurt by draining a three-pointer in the corner pocket.

"We felt like we had something to prove tonight," said Diouf. "Last week's loss was a bitter one. I think everyone on the team felt we needed to come out strong tonight and get this one."

The Sunbirds tried to chip away at the margin, but it wasn't long before the Lancers jumped out to a 20-point lead off two Smith free throws.

After holding a 52-29 lead at halftime, the Lancers came out looking for more and opened with the first points of the half once again. Todd tipped out an offensive rebound and Heading found Smith making a run under the basket to start the second off with a bang.

Things started to turn, however, as the Sunbirds battled back into the contest and pulled within six with just under three minutes to go.

Despite the scare, the Lancers kept their composure, especially when they were sent to the line. In the final minute, Todd, Marquise Mosley and Smith all hit free throws to secure the 88-80 victory for CBU.

"Even though we got the win today, we still see room for improvement," said Diouf. "We have to keep working."

The Lancers have one more game before Christmas to get some of that work in, hosting Cal State San Marcos on Monday at 7:00 p.m. CBU returns to action on December 29 with a 7:00 p.m. tip against Life Pacific to close out the 2016 portion of the schedule.

"We have to get better, we've talked about that consistently," said Croy. "That's the challenge, to continue to improve throughout the season and it's a long season. There are lots of areas to get better."