News • November 30, 2016

Midnight Madness kicks off basketball season at CBU

 

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2016)—Hundreds of students packed into the Van Dyne Gym at California Baptist University to welcome the basketball season with the high-energy Midnight Madness event on Nov. 9.

Midnight Madness, one of the most popular events at CBU, had students lining up overnight Monday to secure tickets for the evening's activities that included a concert, dunk competition, cheer routines and plenty of Lancer pride.

Lancers have many reasons to be excited about the upcoming season. The men’s squad was ranked No. 9 nationally by the Association of Basketball Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll and named preseason favorite to the win the PacWest Conference. Additionally, Michael Smith, senior guard, was tabbed the Preseason Player of the Year, coming off his PacWest Player of the Year award last season. The Lancers have high expectations this year after boasting a 28-7 overall record last year, finishing with a No. 14 national ranking. CBU went to its third-straight postseason tournament last year after winning its first PacWest Tournament Championship with a 101-64 victory over rival Azusa Pacific.

The men’s team will kick off its season at home on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. against Montana State University Billings.

The women’s squad has already kicked off its season at the D2 Tipoff Classic in Orange, California, going 2-1. The Lancers were ranked No. 2 in the nation by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association prior to the start of the season. CBU went 29-3 last year and finished No. 5 nationally. This year they have also been picked to win the PacWest. Additionally, Cassidy Mihalko was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Mihalko, senior guard, is a two-time All-American, All-West Region and All-PacWest honoree.

The Lancers’ first home game is on Thursday, Nov. 17 against California State University, San Bernardino at 7 p.m.  

View men’s schedule here.

View women’s schedule here.

Contact CBU Marketing and Communication

Vice President for Marketing and Communication:
Angela Meluski
Email: ameluski@calbaptist.edu

8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504