The NCAA Tournament is back in full swing, and this year, California Baptist University is making headlines with its men's basketball team earning its first-ever berth in March Madness. The Lancers, hailing from Riverside, California, have become the talk of Southern California as they prepare to take on the powerhouse Kansas Jayhawks in the opening round. With four Southern California teams—both men’s and women’s squads from Cal Baptist and UCLA—hitting the hardwood on March 20, the region is buzzing with anticipation and pride.
California Baptist University, often referred to as CBU, is a private Christian institution located in the heart of Riverside. With more than 12,000 students and an acceptance rate of about 80%, CBU is no small player in the world of higher education. Yet, in the world of college basketball, the Lancers have long been considered underdogs. That’s all changing this year as they storm into the NCAA Tournament with a 25-8 record, having clinched their ticket by winning the WAC Tournament. This is their first NCAA Tournament appearance, and they’re eager to make their mark.
The Lancers’ first-round challenge? None other than the Kansas Jayhawks, a team steeped in tradition and success. Kansas enters the tournament as a No. 4 seed with a 23-10 record and is ranked No. 17 in the nation. The Jayhawks are making their 53rd NCAA Tournament appearance and boast an impressive 47-6 record in first-round games. For Cal Baptist, this is truly a David versus Goliath matchup—but if March Madness has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.
Tipoff is set for 6:45 p.m. in San Diego, bringing the action right to Southern California’s doorstep. The Lancers, seeded No. 13, are hoping to ride the momentum of their WAC Tournament victory and deliver a Cinderella story for the ages. Their opponent, Kansas, is no stranger to high-pressure games and is led by a roster brimming with talent and experience. Melvin Council Jr. leads the Jayhawks with 12.9 points and 5.1 assists per game, while Darryn Peterson has been red-hot, averaging 16.8 points over his last 10 outings.
But Cal Baptist has its own star in Dominique Daniels Jr. The junior guard has been nothing short of sensational, averaging 23.1 points per game this season, along with 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Over his last 10 games, Daniels has upped his scoring to a blistering 26.3 points per contest, making him one of the most dynamic scorers in the tournament. Multiple March previews have singled out Daniels as the engine that makes the WAC champs go. His ability to create his own shot and control the tempo will be crucial if the Lancers hope to keep pace with Kansas.
Jayden Jackson has also provided steady support for Cal Baptist, averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 32.7% over the past 10 games. For the Lancers, the formula for an upset is clear: let Daniels control the game offensively, keep Kansas out of transition, and turn the contest into a possession-by-possession battle rather than a footrace.
“We know what we’re up against,” said Cal Baptist head coach Rick Croy in a pregame interview. “Kansas has a storied program, but our guys have earned this moment. We’re going to play our game, trust our preparation, and see where it takes us.”
For Kansas, the expectation is to advance, but the Jayhawks are not taking their first-round opponent lightly. “You can’t overlook anyone in March,” said Melvin Council Jr., echoing the sentiments of many veterans who have seen upsets derail even the best-laid plans. “Cal Baptist has earned their spot, and we respect what they’ve accomplished.”
While the men’s teams are set for a dramatic showdown in San Diego, the excitement doesn’t stop there. The Cal Baptist women’s team is also in the NCAA Tournament, facing the No. 2-seeded UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. The Lancers, with a 23-10 record and a strong 17-3 mark in the WAC, are led by Lauren Olsen, who averages 15.1 points per game. Barros has also been a force, averaging 14.7 points and 10.9 rebounds over the last 10 games. On the other side, UCLA is a juggernaut, boasting a 31-1 record and led by Lauren Betts, who shoots 56.2% from the field and averages 16.4 points. Kiki Rice is another standout for the Bruins, averaging 15.9 points over her last 10 games.
The men’s UCLA team is also in action, taking on the UCF Knights in their first-round matchup. Tyler Bilodeau has been a sharpshooter for the Bruins, hitting 2.1 three-pointers per game and averaging 17.6 points while shooting 46.4% from deep. Donovan Dent has been a playmaker, averaging 13.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals over his last 10 games. For UCF, Riley Kugel and Themus Fulks have provided the scoring punch, but all eyes are on whether the Bruins can make a deep run this year.
Meanwhile, the USC women’s team is set to face the Clemson Tigers in Columbia, South Carolina. Jazzy Davidson leads the Trojans with 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while Kara Dunn has chipped in with 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds over the past 10 games. For Clemson, Mia Moore is shooting 46.9% and averaging 13.5 points, with Rusne Augustinaite adding 9.4 points over her last 10 outings.
With so many Southern California teams in action, fans across the region are glued to their screens, hoping for upsets and magical moments. The Cal Baptist men’s team, in particular, is drawing attention as a trendy 13-seed pick. Their shot creation and the scoring prowess of Dominique Daniels Jr. give them a fighting chance, but the odds remain with Kansas. The predicted score, according to experts, is Kansas 77, California Baptist 69—a competitive game, but one where the favorite is expected to prevail.
Still, as millions of fans fill out their brackets—hoping for that perfect sheet that’s never been verified—everyone knows that March is about the unpredictable. Cal Baptist’s quest for a first NCAA Tournament win is the ultimate underdog story, and whether they pull off the upset or not, their journey has already inspired a campus, a city, and a region.
As the action tips off in San Diego, all eyes will be on the Lancers and Jayhawks. Will Cal Baptist write a new chapter in March Madness lore, or will Kansas’ storied history carry them through? One thing’s for sure: the madness has only just begun, and anything can happen.