Full Breakdown
California Baptist Claims Historic WAC Championship and NCAA Tournament Berth
3/15/2026, 10:22:27 PM
Championship Game Overview
California Baptist University (CBU) secured its first NCAA Tournament berth in program history by defeating top-seeded Utah Valley University (UVU) 63-61 in the final of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament. The game took place in Paradise, Nevada, where CBU's Dominique Daniels Jr. played a pivotal role, scoring 23 points and hitting crucial three-pointers in the final minutes. The Lancers, now with a record of 25-8, have won six consecutive games, marking a program record for single-season victories in the Division I era.
Key Moments and Players
The decisive moment came when Utah Valley's Isaac Davis attempted a tying alley-oop dunk with just three seconds remaining but missed, sealing the victory for California Baptist. Daniels had previously tied the game with back-to-back three-pointers, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Jackson Holcombe led the Wolverines with 18 points, while Davis contributed 12 points. CBU's Bradey Henige and Jonathan Griman also made significant contributions, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Background and Context
California Baptist began its transition from Division II to Division I in 2018 and became eligible for postseason play in the 2022-23 season. This championship win is particularly significant as it marks the culmination of years of effort and development for the program. Utah Valley, despite its strong season and back-to-back regular-season titles, saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end with this loss.
Official Statements & Responses
CBU head coach Rick Croy expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing their belief in one another and their commitment to representing the university positively. Utah Valley coach Todd Phillips acknowledged the heart and toughness of his players, noting that they fought hard but fell short in a critical moment.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding CBU's victory, some analysts pointed out that Utah Valley had previously dominated the season series against CBU, winning two out of three matchups, both on their home court. This loss raised questions about UVU's ability to perform in high-stakes situations, particularly given their recent success in the conference.
What's Next
Both teams are set to transition to the Big West Conference next season, as the WAC will rebrand as the United Athletic Conference. California Baptist will await its seeding and first-round opponent for the NCAA Tournament, while Utah Valley has secured an automatic invite to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
Verbatim Quotes
“Anything can happen in March, that's what I kept telling myself those last three possessions.” — Dominique Daniels Jr., Player, California Baptist
“Our guys fought back from an early deficit and competed the whole night. It's a tough one, but this group has done a lot to be proud of this season.” — Todd Phillips, Coach, Utah Valley
“Their belief in each other, it means everything to them to represent CBU and do it in a positive way.” — Rick Croy, Coach, California Baptist
