ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — California Baptist built a 17-point halftime lead and cruised to a 74-58 victory over Abilene Christian in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Moody Coliseum.

Martel Williams scored 23 points to lead the Lancers, who improved to 13-6. Rich Smith scored 22 points for the Wildcats, who fell to 10-8.

California Baptist shot 44.6% from the field and held Abilene Christian to 37.3% shooting. The Lancers’ defense was stifling, recording eight blocks and forcing eight turnovers while maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the second half. A strong first half, where they scored 46 points, provided an insurmountable cushion for the visitors.