California Baptist walked into Jan. 31 with momentum — and left with more. The Lancers (16-6) beat UT Arlington (14-7) 87-77 in overtime, pushing their current form to five straight wins and handing the Mavericks another swing in their up-and-down stretch.
How it happened
This one flipped into a late-game grinder, then turned decisively in overtime. After a tight second quarter and a high-scoring fourth, California Baptist separated in the extra period, winning overtime 19-9 to turn a close game into a double-digit final.
Quarter-by-quarter flow
Second quarter: California Baptist took a slim edge with a 35-31 advantage.
Fourth quarter: UT Arlington answered with a 37-33 fourth, forcing overtime after the teams couldn’t create separation in regulation.
Overtime: California Baptist owned the possession game and finishing stretch, outscoring UT Arlington 19-9 to close.
Turning point: overtime execution
The game’s defining stretch was the overtime period. With both teams coming off a frantic fourth quarter, California Baptist was sharper on both ends when it mattered most, turning a four-quarter battle into a controlled finish. UT Arlington’s late regulation push didn’t carry over — and the 19-9 overtime margin made the difference.
What it means going forward
California Baptist: At 16-6 and riding a five-game surge, the Lancers continue to stack wins in close-game environments. Winning an overtime road test is the kind of result that reinforces habits — particularly late-game composure — as the season turns toward the stretch run.
UT Arlington: The Mavericks fell to 14-7, and the loss fits the volatility of their recent form (LWWLW). The fourth-quarter response showed they can generate pressure late, but the overtime collapse underscores the margin for error when execution tightens.
Game details
League: NCAA
Season: 2025-26
Date: Jan. 31, 2026
Venue: TBD
Final: California Baptist 87, UT Arlington 77 (OT)
