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Cal Baptist just pulled off the most stunning upset in WAC tournament history, beating top-seeded Utah Valley 63-61 on Saturday night. Star guard Dominique Daniels Jr. hit three crucial 3-pointers in the final two minutes to secure the clinching victory. Most incredibly, the Lancers clinched their first-ever NCAA tournament bid after just 8 years of Division I eligibility.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Cal Baptist 63, Utah Valley 61 in WAC Championship Final
- Star Player: Dominique Daniels Jr. scored 23 points on three clutch late 3-pointers
- Historic Moment: First NCAA tournament berth in program history since transition to D-I in 2018
- Winning Streak: Lancers extended program record to 6 consecutive victories
The Ending Nobody Expected
Utah Valley was the favorite entering Saturday night’s championship game. The No. 1 seed Wolverines came in with a 25-8 record and a seven-game winning streak intact. But Cal Baptist had other plans. The No. 2 seed Lancers showed incredible resilience throughout the contest. With 39 seconds remaining, Utah Valley still held a one-point lead. Then everything changed. Daniels Jr. hit a pull-up 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down. The Wolverines had one final chance.
What happened next became instantly iconic. Isaac Davis had a wide-open alley-oop dunk attempt with just three seconds left. The ball came right to him. He missed. The silence was deafening. Cal Baptist’s Lancers stormed the court. Fans erupted. A dream became reality.
Cal Baptist beats Utah Valley 63-61, wins WAC tournament, clinches 1st NCAA bid
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Daniels Jr. Takes Over in Crunch Time
Dominique Daniels Jr. finished with 23 points, but the full story lies in the final two minutes. He hit back-to-back 3-pointers that tied the games at 60-all with 1 minute 16 seconds remaining. His poise under pressure defined the game. The Riverside, California native shot 7 of 25 from the field. His shooting percentage didn’t matter. Timing did. Clutch moments did.
Utah Valley had their chances. Jackson Holcombe led the Wolverines with 18 points. Isaac Davis contributed 12 points. Trevan Leonhardt grabbed 10 rebounds and dished 8 assists. But none of it mattered in the final moments. Cal Baptist showed more hunger. More determination.
| Factor | Cal Baptist | Utah Valley |
| Record | 25-8 | 25-8 |
| Seeding | No. 2 Seed | No. 1 Seed |
| Top Scorer | Daniels Jr., 23 pts | Holcombe, 18 pts |
| Game Result | WAC Champions | Runners-up |
“Anything can happen in March, that’s what I kept telling myself those last three possessions.”
— Dominique Daniels Jr., Cal Baptist Guard
A Program-Changing Achievement
Cal Baptist transitioned from Division II to Division I starting in 2018. They became eligible for postseason play in the 2022-23 season. Now, just three years later, they’re headed to the NCAA tournament. Coach Rick Croy has built something special. The Lancers won six straight games to extend their program record for wins in the D-I era. This championship represents the culmination of years of hard work.
Utah Valley coach Todd Phillips acknowledged the heartbreak. “They battled all night and put themselves in a position to win the game. It’s tough when it comes down to one play like that, but our guys showed a lot of heart and toughness.” The Wolverines still earned an automatic invite to the NIT. But missing their first NCAA bid had to sting. Especially after controlling the game for 39 seconds.
What’s Next for the Lancers in March Madness
Cal Baptist now waits for the NCAA tournament seeding and first-round opponent announcement during the Selection Show. The Riverside program will face elite competition. They’ll likely be a double-digit seed. But nobody will overlook them now, having proven they can win in the highest-pressure situations. Both Cal Baptist and Utah Valley are joining the Big West Conference next season when the WAC rebrands. This championship provides the perfect parting gift for both programs.
Sources
- ESPN – Cal Baptist wins WAC as Utah Valley misses tying alley-oop
- CBS Sports – Daniels hits 3 late 3s, Cal Baptist beats Utah Valley for WAC title
- Yahoo Sports – Utah Valley misses wide-open dunk to lose the WAC championship
