In a thrilling conclusion to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament, Cal Baptist emerged victorious over top-seeded Utah Valley with a score of 63-61 on March 16, 2025. This win marks Cal Baptist’s first-ever berth in the NCAA Tournament, a significant milestone for the program as they transition from Division II. With this victory, the Lancers not only clinched the WAC title but also extended their winning streak to six games.
Dominique Daniels Jr. Shines in Clutch Moments
Dominique Daniels Jr. played a pivotal role in the final minutes of the game, hitting three crucial three-pointers. He finished the night with 23 points, despite a shooting performance of 7-of-25 from the field. His back-to-back threes tied the game at 60 with just over a minute remaining. Following an offensive rebound by Jackson Holcombe, who was fouled and made one of two free throws, Daniels delivered a pull-up three-pointer, giving Cal Baptist a two-point lead with only 14.6 seconds left.
Utah Valley, which had a seven-game winning streak snapped, was led by Holcombe, who scored 18 points. Additionally, Isaac Davis contributed 12 points, but his attempt at a tying alley-oop dunk failed in the closing seconds. The Wolverines had previously dominated the season series against Cal Baptist, winning two of three matchups, both on their home court.
A Historic Season for Cal Baptist
Cal Baptist’s record now stands at 25-8, marking a new high for single-season wins in the Division I era. The team began its transition from Division II in 2018 and became eligible for postseason play in the 2022-23 season. This victory not only secures their place in the NCAA Tournament but also highlights their growth as a competitive program. Bradey Henige and Jonathan Griman also made significant contributions, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Griman shooting an impressive 5-of-6 before fouling out.
As both teams prepare for the next chapter, Cal Baptist will await its seeding and first-round opponent for the NCAA Tournament, while Utah Valley has secured an automatic invitation to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Starting next season, both programs will join the Big West Conference, as the WAC transitions to the United Athletic Conference.
This thrilling championship game showcased the intensity and competitive spirit of college basketball, setting the stage for an exciting NCAA Tournament ahead.
