Riverside, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2016) — A pair of closely contested basketball games over the weekend at the Van Dyne gym added to the allure of California Baptist University's rivalry against Azusa Pacific University (APU). CBU women's squad won 63-62 while the CBU men's team suffered a 73-71 defeat.                             

Lancer fans flocked to a packed gym to support the teams, and some were given "Beat APU" T-shirts to add to the feisty rivalry. Much of the crowd was on their feet yelling, chanting and rooting on the Lancers throughout the games.  

"There was so much energy in the room, you could feel it in your veins. It was crazy. You could hear screaming in your ears and the stomping and drumming in your heart," said Seth Wijnhammer, a mechanical engineering junior. 

The Lancer women extended their winning streak to eight and improved their overall record to 15-1 and 7-1 in the conference.

"They (APU) are our rivals, and it was a great fun and loud environment," said Cassidy Mihalko, CBU guard who led all scorers with 24 points.

The men's squad dropped to 15-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play.   

Rick Croy, CBU's head men's basketball coach, said the team has to turn the page and get ready for their next opponent. However, he did acknowledge this loss was a tough one.  

"Tonight had a great environment and that's a part of the disappointment. Whenever you leave one on the table and disappoint the fans, it stinks," Croy said.   

Both CBU basketball squads will face off against Hawaii Pacific University on Thursday in Hawaii.