The Rundown:  In their NCAA DII opener, Concordia defeated Seattle Pacific in overtime, 68-60, as part of the Dixie State Classic in St. George, UT.

By the Numbers:  JT Roach led CUI with 16 points and Stephen Grosey started in usual form, with an 11-11 double-double in an impressive 42 minutes of play.  Geoff Gerlach chipped in 10 points and three offensive rebounds.  Roach and Martin Thomas each had three assists. 

The Difference:  The Eagles got to the line 16 more times than SPU, and made 24 foul shots.  They also forced 25 turnovers for 21 points off turnovers, while only giving it away 10 times.

Critical Plays:  The game was back and forth early in the first half, but CUI grabbed a six point lead at 4:44 on a jumper from Roach and two free throws from Mike Mellinger.  SPU tied the game at half, 26-26.  The Eagles held a slight lead through the first part of the second half, but SPU led by four with eight minutes left.  The Eagles did not let the lead go above five, and a layup from Grosey and a three from Justin Davis tied the game with 20 seconds left.  With two minutes left in overtime, CUI asserted control with five free throws and a layup from Gerlach to take the victory.

"This is a great start to a new era," CUI head coach Ken Ammann said.  "Seattle Pacific has the longest streak of NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.  They are a very tough and disciplined team.  It was a tremendous effort from our guys and I couldn't be more proud of how they started the season."

What it Means:  The Eagles open their NCAA DII era with a win over Seattle Pacific, who currently own a national-leading string of 11 NCAA Division II Tournament appearances and are defending GNAC Tournament champion.

Up Next:  The Eagles will play one more game in St. George, tomorrow at 4 pm against Concordia (OR).  Follow the live links in the inset.