Monday, November 3
Riverside, Calif.
7:30 PM
California Baptist University
vs
University of South Carolina - Upstate
MBB Preview: CBU Tips-Off the Season Monday Night Against USC–Upstate
11/1/2025 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
RIVERSIDE --- The moment Lancer fans have been waiting for is two days away, as Monday night marks the start of the 2025-26 basketball season. Fans will be treated to a first-ever matchup, as CBU tips off its final year in the WAC against the Spartans of USC–Upstate.
Head coach Rick Croy enters year 13 leading the Lancers, and he brings in a roster that was predicted to finish first in the Preseason WAC Coaches' Poll.
"We have a good group returning on paper," said Croy. "Things don't always play out in real life as maybe you think, or you want them to on paper."
The Lancers enter the season with nine newcomers on their 16-man roster. On his approach to recruiting over the offseason, Croy noted, "We wanted to get pieces that fit, and we were willing to do that at the high school rank, and we have a couple of freshmen that will have an impact for us. We've had some success with junior college, and then we'll go in the portal and get guys too. You try and get guys that are uniquely fit for what you need."
Of the nine new faces, the Lancers welcome four freshmen to pair with five transfers. The Lancers also have an experienced group returning to the floor, including Preseason WAC Player of the Year Dominique Daniels Jr.
"It was a blessed spring in that we returned a great group," added Croy on his returners. "Some guys that have real experience, some leadership, and some guys that are very proud to represent this university and this basketball program. That was a priority for us to first get our players back, and we did that at a high rate."
Other returners that are expected to see notable minutes this season include sophomore Bradey Henige, an All-WAC Freshman Team selection from last season, and senior Martel Williams, who started 18 games for the Lancers a year ago.
Opposing the Lancers in their first game will be USC–Upstate, a program making its first-ever trip to the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center. The Spartans will have a new look to their core this season, as two of their four players who averaged double figures last season are no longer on the team.
Karmani Gregory (11.1 PPG) and Carmelo Adkins (10.1) are the returning scoring leaders for the Spartans.
Upstate is coming off a 6-26 finish last season. After visiting the Lancers, the Spartans will travel to Fresno to take on Fresno State.
The 2025-26 season, CBU's final in the WAC, will feature many marquee games. In addition to the conference schedule that begins on December 29, the Lancers will also participate in several notable road games. CBU will play in the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs against San Diego on November 25. Following that, the Lancers will hit the road for games against Oregon State, Colorado, BYU, and Utah.
Tickets for all non-conference games inside the Fowler Events Center, along with the Acrisure Series, are on sale HERE.
Head coach Rick Croy enters year 13 leading the Lancers, and he brings in a roster that was predicted to finish first in the Preseason WAC Coaches' Poll.
"We have a good group returning on paper," said Croy. "Things don't always play out in real life as maybe you think, or you want them to on paper."
The Lancers enter the season with nine newcomers on their 16-man roster. On his approach to recruiting over the offseason, Croy noted, "We wanted to get pieces that fit, and we were willing to do that at the high school rank, and we have a couple of freshmen that will have an impact for us. We've had some success with junior college, and then we'll go in the portal and get guys too. You try and get guys that are uniquely fit for what you need."
Of the nine new faces, the Lancers welcome four freshmen to pair with five transfers. The Lancers also have an experienced group returning to the floor, including Preseason WAC Player of the Year Dominique Daniels Jr.
"It was a blessed spring in that we returned a great group," added Croy on his returners. "Some guys that have real experience, some leadership, and some guys that are very proud to represent this university and this basketball program. That was a priority for us to first get our players back, and we did that at a high rate."
Other returners that are expected to see notable minutes this season include sophomore Bradey Henige, an All-WAC Freshman Team selection from last season, and senior Martel Williams, who started 18 games for the Lancers a year ago.
Opposing the Lancers in their first game will be USC–Upstate, a program making its first-ever trip to the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center. The Spartans will have a new look to their core this season, as two of their four players who averaged double figures last season are no longer on the team.
Karmani Gregory (11.1 PPG) and Carmelo Adkins (10.1) are the returning scoring leaders for the Spartans.
Upstate is coming off a 6-26 finish last season. After visiting the Lancers, the Spartans will travel to Fresno to take on Fresno State.
The 2025-26 season, CBU's final in the WAC, will feature many marquee games. In addition to the conference schedule that begins on December 29, the Lancers will also participate in several notable road games. CBU will play in the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs against San Diego on November 25. Following that, the Lancers will hit the road for games against Oregon State, Colorado, BYU, and Utah.
Tickets for all non-conference games inside the Fowler Events Center, along with the Acrisure Series, are on sale HERE.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballCBU Men's Basketball VS Grambling | Game Highlights
Saturday, November 22
CBU Men's Basketball VS UC Riverside | Game Highlights
Wednesday, November 19
CBU Men's Basketball VS Western Illinois | Game Highlights
Saturday, November 15
CBU Men's Basketball VS UC Irvine | Game Highlights
Saturday, November 08
