PLNU made a late comeback-attempt after trailing Cal Baptist by 13 late in the second half, but it was not enough as the Lancers came away with the 62-57 victory Tuesday night.

After a sluggish start to the second half that saw the Sea Lions squander a 26-22 halftime lead, the teams were all tied up at 36 with 11:30 left in the game. Cesar Menjivar would hit a three-pointer for the Lancers, followed by a series of miscues and turnovers by the Sea Lions.

In a five minute span, CBU would go on a 15-2 run and it appeared the Sea Lions were headed toward a lopsided loss. But the team battled back. Rhett Beal knocked down a three-pointer, followed by buckets from Todd Campbell and James Hancock.

Hancock's layup with 3:02 remaining made the score 53-47 CBU. After a Justus Von Wright jumper, PLNU would close the gap. Jake Johnston immediately drove to the hoop and drew a foul, sinking both free throws. DeAndre Jones hit a jumper on the next possession, cutting the Lancer lead to four.

Johnston stole the ball on the ensuing possession and was quickly fouled. He made 1-of-2 free throws and the Sea Lions were within striking distance at 55-52. CBU's Von Wright made two free throws, but Hancock responded with a layup making the score 57-54 with 45 seconds to play.

The Sea Lions chose to foul and Menjivar made one free throw. On the next possession, Hancock was called for an offensive foul. Davey Hopkins made two free throws on the other end, giving CBU a six point lead. Jones converted on a three-point play with six seconds left, giving the Sea Lions a small glimpse of hope to tie it, but the Lancers were able to inbounds the ball for a layup.

Hancock led the Sea Lions with 16 points and nine rebounds. Campbell finished with 12 and Jake Johnston added 10 points in the loss. PLNU out-rebounded the Lancers 28-22, but turned the ball over 18 times.

Justus Von Wright was the Lancers leading scorer, finishing with 14. Menjivar added 12, including 3-for-3 from long-range, and point guard Larry Dew dished out eight assists in the win. CBU shot 51 percent for the game.

CBU improves to 17-11, 10-8 in the GSAC with the win. PLNU falls to 8-19, 5-14 in conference play. The Sea Lions maintain their half-game lead for the final GSAC playoff spot though, after a Vanguard loss to Concordia.

PLNU returns home for the final time this year when they host The Master's (17-11, 10-8) on Saturday. The Sea Lions lost a close one on Jan. 23 in Santa Clarita, falling 74-71. Beal scored 23 points in the loss.

-Jeremiah Wood