Four years since winning the Western Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time, the California Baptist University women’s basketball team has claimed their second title, this time able to accept the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Lancers took to the Orleans Arena early Saturday morning for their tilt against 3-seed Stephen F. Austin. The Ladyjacks led most of the way, but the Lancers persevered and chipped away an 11-point deficit to ultimately earn the 75–74 win.
Chloe Webb posted her second double-double of the tournament, this time putting up a monstrous 24 points and 15 rebounds. Her tournament averages of 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds made her the clear choice for Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Anaiyah Tu’ua gave Webb a run for her money in the MOP discussion after averaging 19 points per contest in Las Vegas. However, she still earned All-Tournament honors for her stats and undeniable intangible effort. Tu’ua was no slouch on Saturday (March 16), posting 22 points, five boards, and four steals against SFA.
Focusing on next challenge
The win puts CBU in uncharted but welcomed waters as the focus now shifts to UCLA, who they will be matched up against in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Jarrod Olson has now led the Lancers to four NCAA postseasons in 12 years despite six of those years where CBU was ineligible for NCAA postseason contention due to transition periods.
The season continues with the program’s first-ever trip to NCAA March Madness.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Daniel Cook and originally published by California Baptist University.
