RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — In a pivotal Western Athletic Conference clash that required an extra period to decide, Dominique Daniels delivered a career-defining performance, pouring in 47 points to will California Baptist to a 78-71 overtime victory over Utah Valley on Saturday night before a crowd of 3,907 at the CBU Events Center.

The win, a hard-fought reversal of a seven-point loss in Orem just four weeks prior, pushed both teams into a tie in the league standings with identical 15-6 overall records, setting the stage for a compelling rematch in three weeks.

The game’s defining narrative was the spectacular duel between Daniels, the Lancers’ dynamic 5-foot-10 guard from Compton, and Utah Valley’s formidable frontcourt duo of Isaac Davis and Jackson Holcombe. While the Wolverines controlled the paint for long stretches, Daniels’ relentless scoring, particularly in the second half and overtime, proved insurmountable.

Utah Valley established its interior dominance early. Davis, a 6-foot-8 force from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Holcombe, a 6-7 forward from Charleston, South Carolina, powered the Wolverines to a 28-24 halftime lead. Their work on the glass and in the lane provided a steady offensive foundation, with Davis finishing with 18 points and Holcombe leading his team with 22.

The second half, however, belonged to Daniels and a resurgent California Baptist offense. After being held in check for much of the first half, Daniels erupted, attacking the rim and hitting contested jumpers to fuel a 41-point Lancer outburst in the period. His driving layup with just three seconds remaining in regulation tied the score at 65, capping a dramatic comeback and forcing overtime after Tyler Hendricks’ three free throws had given Utah Valley a brief lead.

The overtime period was a clinical display by the home team. Daniels opened the scoring with two free throws, and after Hayden Welling briefly tied it for Utah Valley, the Lancers seized control. A critical three-pointer from Martel Williams, assisted by Jordan Muller, extended the lead to five. Daniels then stripped Holcombe on the ensuing possession and converted a layup to push the advantage to seven, effectively sealing the game. California Baptist outscored Utah Valley 13-6 in the extra frame, with Daniels accounting for nine of those points.

Beyond his staggering point total, Daniels’ efficiency and clutch play were paramount. He played 43 minutes, drew fouls consistently, and scored from all three levels. His supporting cast provided timely contributions, with Muller adding seven points and Jonathan Griman anchoring the defense with three blocks.

For Utah Valley, the loss wasted standout efforts and a significant rebounding advantage. Trevan Leonhardt contributed eight points and four assists, while Welling added eight points and a block. The Wolverines’ offense, however, stagnated down the stretch of regulation and went cold in overtime, managing only two field goals in the final five minutes.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of regulation and the beginning of overtime. Utah Valley, leading by three, saw Daniels knife through the defense for a layup to cut the deficit to one with 15 seconds left. After Hendricks sank two free throws, Daniels drove again, drawing a foul on Braden Housley with three ticks left. He calmly sank both free throws to force overtime. The Lancers carried that momentum into the extra period, scoring the first four points and never relinquishing the lead, a decisive shift powered entirely by their star guard’s refusal to lose.

The victory gives California Baptist crucial momentum as it prepares for a road test at Texas-Arlington next Saturday. Utah Valley, meanwhile, must regroup before traveling to face Tarleton State next Thursday, looking to avenge a game where their strengths were ultimately overshadowed by one extraordinary performance.