By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
RIVERSIDE — California Baptist University is heading to the Big Dance for the first time in school history, marking a milestone moment for a program that has steadily risen through the college basketball ranks.
The Lancers secured their first NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament berth after capturing the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship with a thrilling 63-61 victory over Utah Valley University.
Second-seeded CBU sealed the win in dramatic fashion when graduate guard Dominique Daniels Jr. knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 15 seconds remaining. Utah Valley had one final chance to tie or win the game, but an alley-oop attempt by Isaac Davis fell short with three seconds left, sending the Lancers into celebration.
Daniels, a Compton native and WAC Player of the Year, has been the driving force behind CBU’s historic season. He averaged 23 points, four rebounds and four assists per game, showcasing leadership and consistency that carried the Lancers through conference play and into the national spotlight.
A Long Road to the Dance
For a program founded in 1956, the journey to March Madness has been decades in the making.
California Baptist began its transition from Division II to Division I in 2018, a move that required patience and long-term vision. Due to NCAA rules, the program was not eligible for postseason play until the 2022-23 season, making this year’s breakthrough even more meaningful.
Before joining Division I, the Lancers experienced success at the Division II level, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2018. Still, the leap to Division I competition presented new challenges—ones the program has steadily overcome.
Representation Matters
CBU’s rise also carries significance beyond the court, particularly for communities like Compton, where Daniels’ journey began. His leadership and performance highlight the impact of local talent making its mark on a national stage.
As the Lancers prepare for their first appearance in the NCAA tournament, they bring with them not just momentum, but a story of persistence, growth and opportunity.
What’s Next
With their ticket punched, California Baptist now turns its focus to the NCAA tournament, where the Lancers will look to continue their historic run against the nation’s top programs.
For a team that has already defied expectations, the message is clear: they’re not just happy to be there—they’re ready to compete.