RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive rebounding and defensive persistence, the California Baptist Lancers remained undefeated Friday night by grinding out a 69-59 victory over the Western Illinois Leathernecks at a raucous CBU Events Center.

A crowd of 5,088 watched as the Lancers improved to 3-0, while the Leathernecks’ early-season struggles continued, dropping them to 0-4.

The game was not one of offensive artistry, with both teams struggling to find a consistent shooting rhythm. California Baptist’s victory was instead forged on the glass, where they amassed a staggering 20 offensive rebounds, leading to a multitude of second-chance opportunities that ultimately broke the Leathernecks’ resolve. Western Illinois, by contrast, managed only three offensive boards.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with California Baptist taking a narrow 32-28 lead into the break. The Lancers began to create separation early in the second period, using their size and hustle to extend the lead. Western Illinois, led by the determined play of Antwaun Massey, repeatedly clawed back to within striking distance but could never string together enough stops and scores to overtake the home team.

Massey, a 6-foot-8 forward from Olathe, Kansas, was the standout performer on the court, pouring in 29 points for Western Illinois. He was efficient from the field and a constant threat in the paint, playing 36 minutes in a valiant effort to will his team to its first win.

For California Baptist, the backcourt duo of Dominique Daniels and Martel Williams provided the necessary firepower. Daniels, a 5-foot-10 guard from Compton, led the Lancers with 22 points, showcasing his scoring ability at all three levels. Williams, from Las Vegas, added 15 points and was instrumental on the boards, contributing to the team’s overwhelming rebounding advantage.

The statistical disparity told the story of the game. While Western Illinois actually shot a higher percentage from the floor, making 21 of 50 attempts compared to California Baptist’s 23 of 67, the Lancers’ 17 additional field goal attempts, fueled by their offensive rebounds, proved decisive. California Baptist also capitalized more effectively from the free-throw line, making 16 of 20 attempts, while Western Illinois hit 15 of 21.

Other key contributors for the Lancers included Devon Malcolm of Medford, Oregon, who scored nine points, and 7-foot center Bradey Henige from Glendale, Arizona, who anchored the interior defense and rebounding effort. For Western Illinois, Isaiah Griffin of Knightdale, North Carolina, scored 10 points, and Lucas Lorenzen of Milford, Iowa, added nine.

The game’s tempo and physical nature were reflected in the advanced metrics. California Baptist scored 110.4 points per 100 possessions, a mark of moderate efficiency, while Western Illinois was held to just 90.8 points per 100 possessions, highlighting the defensive pressure applied by the Lancers throughout the contest.

With the loss, Western Illinois looks to regroup before returning home to face Coe on Monday. California Baptist, riding the momentum of its strong start, will prepare for a crosstown showdown against UC Riverside on Tuesday.