The Rundown: The Concordia Eagles built a big lead, led it almost slip away, and came back strong to defeat Point Loma, 101-92, in their PacWest home opener on Saturday.
By the Numbers: JT Roach had 27 points off the bench for CUI on six-of-eight shooting from three. Matt Scott poured in 23 on eight-of-11 shooting. Stephen Grosey was one rebound short of a double-double with 12 and nine, and Justin Davis scored 11 off the bench.
The Difference: CUI forced 21 PLNU turnovers for 23 points off turnovers and 16 steals. PLNU actually shot a higher percentage, but CUI made seven more foul shots.
Critical Plays: At the second media timeout after Case Bruton hit a jumper it was 18-16 CUI. A rare three from Geoff Gerlach kept CUI in as the teams traded threes four times down. A follow by Mike Mellinger and it was 33-26 Eagles with 6:29 left in the half. The Eagles built a 14-point lead, and took a 53-41 lead into the break. A jumper from Matt Scott increased the lead to 20, 68-48. PLNU started chipping away from there, and it was 77-66 Eagles with eight minutes left. It crept to five with five minutes left. After a huge JT Roach three, it was 86-80 CUI with 3:54 left. With one minute left JT Roach hit a three and PLNU was called for a technical foul for an elbow, and CUI was able to finish from there, 101-92.
What it Means: Concordia will head to the break atop the PacWest at 8-1 and 3-0 in conference.
Up Next: The Eagles return from break to continue to their six-game home stand on December 29 with a 5 pm game against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Check the live links in the inset.
