DAYTONA BEACH ---Â Fifteenth-seeded California Baptist University men's basketball nearly pulled off the upset against #2 Middle Tennessee on Saturday, as the Lancers fell in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) to the Blue Raiders, 64-58.
The #2 seed Blue Raiders entered the postseason tournament at 23-10 and won the Conference-USA East Division regular-seston title before falling to UAB in the conference championship in a triple-overtime thriller. The Lancers finish the 2021-22 season at 18-16 – marking the fourth-straight winning season for Head Coach Rick Croy in the NCAA Division I era and ninth straight since taking over the helm in the spring of 2013.
The Lancers came out swinging in the opening minutes of the first-time matchup against the Blue Raiders, jumping out to a 10-point lead after a Ty Rowell three at the 13:59 mark.
Middle Tennesee was able to mount a comeback and cut it to one possession under the 10-minute mark, but Taran Armstrong found Chance Hunter on the back door cut for a monster slam.
California Baptist would maintain its lead at the break, going into the half up, 31-30.
The Blue Raiders found their rhythm at the start of the second half, though, going on a 16-0 run to take a 50-34 lead at the 10:22 mark. The Lancers put on their own attack from the 9:12 mark to the 5:54 mark to cut the deficit to four points, 50-46.
Armstrong gave the Lancers the energy they needed during the 12-0 run, as he scored or assisted on eight of the 12 points.
Elijah Thomas capped off the Lancers' 12-0 run with an and-one after a steal by Armstrong.
Every time the Blue Raiders would try to distance themselves, the Lancers answered right back. Rowell knocked down his fourth three of the game at the 2:23 mark to bring the game within two, 54-52.
The Blue Raiders would close out the final minutes on the free-throw line, securing the six-point victory and advancing to the second round of the CBI Tournament.
Rowell led the team with 14 points, going 5-10 from the field and 4-8 from the 3-point line. Rowell finishes his career as the program's all-time leader in career threes made with 256. Juhlawnei Stone went 6-8 from the field for 12 points, while Thomas was the final Lancer in double figures with 10 points. Armstrong ended his day with eight points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
