RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist Lancers closed their non-conference schedule with their first-ever meeting with the Portland State Vikings of the Big Sky Conference. The Lancers battled back from a 13-point deficit but could not finish the job in the end, falling 74-72.
In the first half,
Scotty Washington brought the energy off the pine, going 3-3 on triples and leading the team in scoring through the first 20 minutes with nine. The Lancers had the turnover bug in the first half with 12 against the Vikings, who are currently 17th in the nation at forcing turnovers. CBU shot 50% from the arc and knocked down 6-7 free throws to knot that game at 32 at the half. The CBU bench outscored the Vikings 23-10, led by
Reed Nottage and Washington.
Portland State jumped out on a 10-3 run forcing a CBU timeout to begin the second half. The Lancers responded with an 11-0 run of their own, highlighted by defensive plays by
Malik Wade and
Blondeau Tchoukuiegno. The game went back and forth in the waning minutes, totaling 14 lead changes. The Lancers put their free throw woes behind them, knocking down a season-high 25 on 86% from the line.
The Lancers will head into their Christmas break before starting conference play against Grand Canyon University in Phoneix at 5 p.m.
