In an exhilarating finish, the Cal Baptist Lancers secured their first NCAA Tournament berth by defeating the Utah Valley Wolverines 63-61 in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championship on March 11, 2025. The victory, marked by a remarkable performance from Dominique Daniels Jr., who scored 23 points, highlights a significant milestone for the program as they transition from Division II eligibility.
Playing in Paradise, Nevada, the No. 2 seed Lancers, now boasting a record of 25-8, executed a stunning comeback in the final minutes of the game. Daniels, despite shooting 7-of-25, hit three crucial three-pointers in the last two minutes, including back-to-back shots that tied the game at 60-60 with just over a minute left on the clock.
Decisive Moments in the Final Minutes
With 1:16 remaining, Daniels’ clutch shots shifted the momentum towards Cal Baptist. After an offensive rebound by Jackson Holcombe, he was fouled and successfully converted 1-of-2 free throws, putting the Lancers ahead by one point. In a high-pressure moment, Daniels then delivered a pull-up three-pointer with the shot clock winding down, extending the lead to two points with just 14.6 seconds left in the game.
Utah Valley, which ended the game with a record of 25-8, was unable to equalize when Isaac Davis missed a potential tying alley-oop dunk in the final seconds. Holcombe led the Wolverines with 18 points, while Davis contributed 12 points. Trevan Leonhardt added ten rebounds and eight assists, consistently challenging Daniels defensively throughout the game.
A Historic Achievement for Cal Baptist
This victory is particularly significant for Cal Baptist, which began its transition from Division II in 2018 and became eligible for the postseason during the 2022-23 season. The Lancers’ win not only adds to their record for single-season victories in the Division I era but also showcases their remarkable progress as a program.
The Lancers have now won six consecutive games, demonstrating their resilience and determination as they prepare for their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Both Cal Baptist and Utah Valley are set to join the Big West Conference next season, marking another chapter in their evolving athletic journeys.
As for their next steps, Cal Baptist will await their seeding and first-round opponent for the NCAA Tournament, while Utah Valley has secured an automatic invite to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
This thrilling championship clash not only exemplifies the competitive spirit of college basketball but also serves as a testament to the growth and potential of the Cal Baptist Lancers.
