LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s men's basketball team was unable to pass its first big test of the 2013-14 season.

The Golden Eagles fell behind by as many as 18 points in the opening half and never recovered in an 81-70 loss to California Baptist Saturday afternoon in the Eagles Nest. Cal State L.A. (2-1) started slowly for the third straight game this season, only this time the Golden Eagles were unable to overcome their early deficit.

The Golden Eagles, who led the nation last year in field-goal percentage defense, never could slow down California Baptist (4-0). The Lancers shot 60 percent for the game and made 27 of their 45 shots, including four 3-pointers.

Cal State L.A. didn't shoot nearly as well and made just 37.3 percent (22-of-59). The Golden Eagles were just 2-of-15 from 3-point range.

Cal State L.A. did a decent job of getting to the free-throw line, but the Golden Eagles left some opportunities there. The Golden Eagles were 24-of-40 from the line, including 17-of-29 in the second half. Those 12 missed free throws in the second half were costly as Cal State L.A. attempted to claw its way back into the game.

California Baptist made 23 of its 33 free-throw attempts.

Cal State L.A. was out-rebounded, 36-33, but committed only seven turnovers to 14 for the Lancers. The Golden Eagles had nine steals in the game.

Quinton Watkins had a game-high 22 points to lead the Golden Eagles, while James Tillman had 14 points, all in the second half. Aaron Alston had 10 points and five rebounds.

Ryan Berg led five Lancers in double figures with 14 points. Kevin Crabb had 13 points, Chris Brown and Anthony Cosentino had 12 points each and Ivan Patterson had 10 points.

All 10 California Baptist players who got playing time scored points for the Lancers.

The Golden Eagles fell behind by as many as 18 points in the first half and that mountain proved to be too big to climb. California Baptist took its biggest lead at 35-17 with 6:20 to go in the first half and still maintained a 45-32 lead at halftime.

A pair of free throws by Solomon Singer made it 58-50 with 11:40 remaining and a jumper by Tillman kept the Golden Eagles within striking distance at 60-52 with 10 minutes to play.

A free throw by Tillman cut the gap to 60-53, but California Baptist scored the next six points to regain a 13-point lead, 66-53.

Watkins hit a free throw and then a 3-pointer to get the lead down to nine points, 66-57, with 5:50 still remaining, but Berg countered with a 3-pointer to get the lead back to double digits. Cal State L.A. got the lead back under 10 points after a basket by Joshua Munzon made it 76-67, but by then only 2:30 remained.

Cal State L.A. will return to action in its California Collegiate Athletic Association opener at home against Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.