RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist University Lancers hosted the Utah Tech Trailblazers in their conference home opener after two games on the road to open conference play. The Lancers earned their first conference win of the season 72-58, making that the fourth time in five years in the D-1 era that they have won their WAC home opener. Both teams now sit at 1-2 after the CBU victory in Riverside.
The old PacWest rivals have had thrilling games throughout the years, further intensifying in their respective D-1 eras. The Trailblazers and Lancers have split their conference matchups for the past two seasons, with both teams winning on each other's home floors last year. This matchup marked the 21st meeting between these two programs.
In the first half, the Lancers offense struggled, shooting 0-11 from the perimeter, but went on a late run to close the Trailblazer lead to 3 at halftime.
Tim Ighoefe was a perfect 4-4 from the field, scoring nine points and five rebounds off the bench. In his first start of the season,
Hunter Goodrick was also a perfect 4-4 from the field for eight points and two rebounds. CBU's defense kept them in the game, forcing ten turnovers and converting them into ten points.
In the second half, the Lancers went on an 18-6 run midway through the half to jump out to a 51-44 lead.
Scotty Washington and
Joe Quintana found their stroke and combined for 30 points in the frame on 10-16 shooting. The defense also got hot and locked down the Trailblazers, holding them to 31% shooting and forcing seven more turnovers.
Quintana and Washington led the way with 33 total points, and
Tim Ighoefe chipped in an efficient double-double with 11/10 on 5-6 shooting. CBU's bench outscored Utah Tech by a staggering 49-3 margin.
Next up: The Lancers will hit the road once again as they travel to Las Cruces to face the New Mexico State Aggies on Saturday, January 7, at 6 p.m.
