You wouldn't think that the Nevada and California Baptist basketball teams had much in common other than the game scheduled for Monday at Lawlor Events Center.

Indeed, there is a common thread running through the Wolf Pack and Lancers programs -- both have taken dramatic leaps into unchartered territory this season.

Nevada's story is well-known by now. One possession away from making the Elite Eight, great recruiting and nearly everyone back has expectations sky-high in Northern Nevada. The Wolf Pack are ranked sixth in the nation and anything short of a Final Four appearance for Eric Musselman's squad probably will be considered a disappointment.