IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a result that defied pregame projections, the California Baptist Lancers went on the road and handed the UC Irvine Anteaters a 69-61 defeat in a non-conference men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday night at a stunned Bren Events Center.

The Lancers, entering the contest as significant underdogs, used a dominant performance on the glass and a balanced scoring attack to improve their early-season record to 2-0. The Anteaters, coming off a historic offensive explosion in their opener, fell to 1-1 in front of a home crowd of 2,360.

National statistical models had heavily favored UC Irvine, projecting the Anteaters with an 88.40 percent probability of victory. The betting markets echoed this sentiment, installing UC Irvine as a 6.5-point favorite. California Baptist’s eight-point victory not only covered the spread but served as a statement win against a respected opponent.

The game was a defensive struggle from the opening tip, a stark contrast to the offensive fireworks both teams displayed in their season-opening victories. California Baptist established a narrow but persistent lead in the first half, grinding their way to a 29-26 advantage by the intermission. The Lancers’ defensive intensity and rebounding prowess set the tone, frustrating the Anteaters’ offensive sets.

The second half saw the Lancers methodically build upon their lead. They outscored UC Irvine 40-35 after halftime, maintaining control of the game’s tempo and never allowing the Anteaters to mount a sustained comeback attempt. The final score of 69-61 fell well short of the pregame over/under line of 147, underscoring the defensive nature of the contest.

California Baptist’s victory was anchored by a collective effort, particularly in the frontcourt, where they overwhelmed UC Irvine on the boards. Jonathan Griman, a 6-foot-11 junior from Caracas, Venezuela, delivered a highly efficient performance off the bench. In just 23 minutes of action, Griman recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, providing a crucial spark.

The Lancers’ starting backcourt provided the scoring punch. Martel Williams, a 6-foot-3 guard from Las Vegas, led all scorers with 17 points, adding seven rebounds and an assist in a team-high 32 minutes. Running the offense was point guard Dominique Daniels from Compton, who logged a game-high 38 minutes. The 5-foot-10 floor general tallied 16 points, three rebounds, and a game-high seven assists, expertly directing the Lancers’ attack against UC Irvine’s defense.

The interior dominance was further exemplified by the center duo of Thomas Ndong and Bradey Henige. Ndong, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Montreal, Canada, was a force on the glass, pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds to go with five points and two assists in 21 minutes. Henige, a 7-foot freshman from Glendale, Arizona, was equally impactful in his 21 minutes, contributing six points, nine rebounds, an assist, and a blocked shot. Reserve forward Devon Malcolm from Medford, Oregon, also chipped in with six points and six rebounds in just 11 minutes of play.

For UC Irvine, the offensive consistency that saw them put up 125 points in their opener was absent. The Anteaters were led by the scoring of Jovan Jester and Jurian Dixon, who each finished with 16 points. Jester, a 6-foot-3 guard from Pasadena, reached his total in 23 minutes, while Dixon, a 6-foot-5 guard from San Diego, added five rebounds and an assist in 24 minutes.

Derin Saran, a guard from Istanbul, Turkey, filled the stat sheet with nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes. Defensively, Kyle Evans provided a rim-protecting presence, blocking four shots to go with four points and four rebounds.

The loss serves as a early-season recalibration for a UC Irvine team that had high expectations. They will look to rebound quickly when they return to the Bren Events Center to host Lincoln University on Monday, November 10. Following that, a stiffer test awaits on Saturday, November 15, when the Weber State Wildcats visit Irvine.

For California Baptist, the victory provides significant momentum as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule. The Lancers will now prepare for a four-game homestand, beginning with a contest against the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Friday, November 14. The upcoming slate presents a formidable challenge, with future road trips to Oregon State, Colorado, and BYU looming in late November and early December. This win over a projected powerhouse, however, proves the Lancers are capable of competing at a high level away from home.