RIVERSIDE--- The Lancers and the Lopes clashed for the sixteenth time as Grand Canyon University traveled to Riverside. The Lancers had never defeated the Lopes in the CBU Events Center until this game, as CBU took the game 79-74 in front of an energetic sold-out home crowd. 

The Lancers improved to 3-3 in the Western Athletic Conference as the Lopes dropped to 3-2. WAC Preseason Player of the Year Javon Blackshear Jr. did not play with a torn ACL, and CBU big man and leading shot blocker Timothy Ighoefe also did not suit up. 

The Lancers controlled the game in the first half, out-rebounding GCU 17-15 while shooting 48% from the floor. The Lancer's lead was as large as 14, and they led at the half 39-29. Riley Battin and Tre Armstrong led all scorers with 9 points, and Battin pulled down three boards. Taran Armstrong handed out four assists in the opening frame with only one turnover. 

In the second half, the Lopes trimmed the lead to as few as three with just over ten minutes to play. The Lancers fended off a bevy of GCU runs throughout the period, never letting them take the lead. CBU sunk critical free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. CBU shot a season-high 44% from behind the arc, drilling 12 of them. The Lancers once again flexed their depth as all nine players scored in the game even without Malik Wade and Ighoefe. 

Riley Battin led the Lancers with 18 big points and pulled down seven boards. Tre Armstrong and Hunter Goodrick scored in double figures with 15 and 14, respectively. The Lancers tied their season conference high with 12 made threes and had their highest point total of the conference schedule with 79. 

Next up, the Lancers will get a week off before squaring off against the Tarleton State Texans at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st, in the CBU Events Center.