RIVERSIDE, Calif.—Jackson Holcombe recorded a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead Utah Valley in a 78–71 overtime road loss to California Baptist on Saturday night at Fowler Events Center.
Utah Valley drops its second straight to fall to 15–6 overall and 5–3 in WAC play, marking the first time this season the Wolverines have lost back-to-back games. California Baptist improves to 15–6 overall and 5–3 in league play. The Lancers have now won five straight and moved to 10–0 at home.
The opening half featured multiple lead changes before Utah Valley closed on an 8–1 run to take a 28–24 advantage into the break. The Wolverines maintained a narrow lead deep into the second half, going up 43–39 with just over 10 minutes remaining. CBU countered with a 12–3 surge to create a 55–49 cushion with 5:21 left.
UVU clawed back, eventually taking a 62–61 lead on a Holcombe bucket with 25 seconds to play. After a pair of CBU free throws put the hosts back in front, Tyler Hendricks was fouled behind the three-point line and calmly sank all three from the stripe to give Utah Valley a 65–63 lead with eight seconds to go. Dominick Daniels then drove for the game-tying basket with three seconds left, and a Braden Housley look at the buzzer rolled off, sending the game to overtime.
California Baptist controlled the extra period, outscoring UVU 13–6. A five-point burst gave the Lancers a 76–69 lead with 1:16 left, and the Wolverines couldn't recover as CBU closed out the 78–71 victory.
Holcombe finished with 22 points on 7-of-21 shooting and an 8-of-11 mark at the line to go with 10 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season. Isaac Davis added 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and pulled down five boards. Trevan Leonhardt totaled eight points and four assists, while Hayden Welling chipped in eight points, four rebounds, and two steals off the bench.
Utah Valley shot 37.7% (23-of-61) from the field and 10% (2-of-20) from three, while CBU finished at 48.1% (25-of-52). The Wolverines owned a 38–36 edge in paint points, while the Lancers outrebounded UVU 39–35.
California Baptist was led by Dominick Daniels, who scored 47 points—setting a CBU single-game scoring record—while adding six rebounds and three steals.
Utah Valley wraps up its three-game road swing at Tarleton State on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. (MT). The game will air live on ESPN+ and on ESPN The Fan (960 AM/103.9 FM/98.3 FM).
