The California Baptist University men’s basketball all-time career scoring record has been set to a new high after Michael Smith, senior business administration major and guard, broke the previous record during the team’s home victory against Concordia
University, Jan. 14.
The Lancers managed to outscore the Eagles 89-55. Smith needed 13 points to pass the previous record of 1,716 career points held by Warren Daniels, who played on the Lancer squad from 1989-1992. Smith managed to score 23 points in the game and achieved an all-time record of 1,727 career points.
“It’s definitely an honor to get the record,” Smith said. “A lot of guys that wore the Lancer jersey were very good and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to play here for four years.”
Smith also said that he has more goals toward the end of this season.
“One of my goals is to host the Western Regional Tournament which is the first three rounds of the NCAA tournament,” Smith said. “After that, I hope to win the national championship.”
Smith also described the feeling of being the top scorer with the support of his team.
“It’s cool, but I’m more of a team -achiever,” Smith said. “Anything we achieve as a team is better for me than an individual award.”
Rick Croy, head coach of the men’s basketball team, said he is proud of Smith breaking the career scoring record.
“I’m extremely proud of him,” Croy said. “I feel blessed to be his coach and we have many more memories to create. We have to make sure we treasure all of them.”
Croy also said Smith has grown as a player and improved significantly with each year on the team.
“Our goal as a team is to continue to improve each week during the season,” Croy said. “I think he’s a leader by example in that area. He continues to improve even to this day. We’re excited to see what we can do with the last months of the season.”
Smith will continue to lead the team through the rest of its season. The Lancers will look to extend their winning streak and begin their four-game homestand Jan. 28 against Notre Dame de Namur University. The regular season concludes Feb. 25 at home against Point Loma Nazarene University.
