Local. Loyal. Loud. The Sound of CBU Basketball Returns

California Baptist University Lancers tip off their final WAC season before joining the Big West, with men's and women's teams building on last year's success at the Fowler Events Center.

There's a chill in the air. Leaves are changing color. The days are getting shorter. As fall settles in, one thing is heating up - CBU basketball.

Your California Baptist University Lancers are ready to begin their final season in the Western Athletic Conference before joining the Big West, and the excitement is already building.

CBU invites fans, friends and families to join us for the 2025-26 basketball season, which tips off Nov. 3 at the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center against the University of South Carolina-Upstate. Expect the season to bring plenty of heart-pounding moments as the Lancers take on top rivals including UC Riverside (Nov. 18), Tarleton State (Jan. 3) and Utah Tech (Jan. 8).

The 2025-26 men's WAC schedule features 18 conference matchups, with every team facing its opponent three times. Over Thanksgiving week, the Lancers will compete in the Acrisure Holiday Invitational in Palm Springs, where they'll face the University of San Diego.

Last season, CBU made its mark with buzzer beaters, record-setting performances and a home-court atmosphere like no other. Inside the Fowler Events Center, more than 5,000 fans filled the stands with energy and pride - a true reflection of what it means to be Local. Loyal. Loud.

CBU's men finished the 2024-25 season 17-15 overall and 9-7 in conference play. The new season promises even more action as the team continues to build momentum.

"This team has an incredible mix of talent, heart and drive. Every player is committed to giving their best on the court, and I know our fans will feel that energy from the stands," said Rick Croy, head men's basketball coach. "It's going to be an exciting season for Lancer basketball."

Men's basketball will face tough competition, including Oregon State, the University of Colorado, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.

The CBU women's basketball team is ready to build on previous success. The team made their March Madness debut in the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 28-4, going undefeated at home. The Lancers are set to open an exciting new chapter as they look to join the Big West next year.

The season tips off Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. when the CBU women host crosstown rival UC Riverside at the Fowler Events Center. It's the first matchup between the Riverside programs since 2021 - and the first time the Lancers have hosted the Highlanders since 2020.

Fans can look forward to a packed women's home schedule, including the CBU Classic in late November featuring UC Santa Barbara, Sacramento State and Chattanooga. The action continues in December with games against future Big West opponent UC San Diego and first-time challenger University of Denver.

"Our team is ready to build on last year's momentum and give our fans games they won't forget," said Jarrod Olson, head women's basketball coach. "The players are working hard, supporting each other, and we can't wait to see the community cheering with us every step of the way."

The countdown to tipoff is on - and there's no better time to experience NCAA Division I basketball in the heart of the Inland Empire. Join the roar of the crowd, the energy of the court, and the pride of being Local. Loyal. Loud.

More information: Get your Lancer basketball tickets today at cbutickets.com.