California Baptist University
10-7,2-2WAC
NM State
7-9,0-4WAC
Lancers Win Milestone Matchup Against NM State In Las Cruces
1/7/2023 9:07:00 PM | Men's Basketball
LAS CRUCES - California Baptist men's basketball secured another huge program win on Saturday, taking down the New Mexico State Aggies in Las Cruces for the first time since joining the Western Athletic Conference. The wire-to-wire, 70-61, victory was the third victory over the Aggies for CBU since the 2018-19 season, the most by any WAC school during that time. ☑️No look bounce pass from Taran! 𝐉𝐐 𝟏𝐊
CBU reached double-digit wins at 10-7 while moving to 2-2 in conference play. NM State drops to 7-9 on the year while still searching for its first WAC victory at 0-4.
A critical factor in the Lancers' win was their willingness to play with grit. CBU bested the Aggies in rebounds (+9), offensive rebounds (+5), and second-chance points (+20), doing all the little things that led to a big win. Tre Armstrong was the offensive pulse for CBU in the first half, leading all scorers with eight at the break. Riley Battin would pick up the scoring load in the second half, recording 16 of his team-high 18 points after halftime.
☑️No doubt straight away three from Battin!
☑️ Timeout Aggies and Lancer momentum!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/OtfaUZrFDZ
Hunter Goodrick nearly secured his second double-double of the season with eight points and nine boards. Goodrick's four offensive boards led directly to 11-second chance points. Joe Quintana hit timely shots on his way to eight points, but his first three of the night was extra special as Quintana officially reached the 1,000-point mark for his collegiate career.
And with that bucket Joe Quintana officially joins the 1⃣,0⃣0⃣0⃣ point club!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/YhzOg0KDOI
Game four of the WAC slate started beautifully as the Lancers got off to a hot start, going on an 8-0 run, and forcing the Aggies to call a timeout just over two minutes into the action. The Lancers would lead by as much as 11 in the opening half and would take a seven-point lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Aggies were not going to roll over, though, fighting back multiple times to make it a one-point game in the second half. The last time NM State got that close with just over six minutes left, the Lancers went on an 18-4 run to slam the door on the home team.
Next for the Lancers is a return to Riverside for a three-game stint. CBU will start the homestand with the early conference leaders, Utah Valley, on Wednesday, January 11. That game is set for a 7:00 p.m. tip in the CBU Events Center.
