The Rundown: The Concordia Eagles lost a lead late, but hit a shot with 13 seconds left to beat #24 Cal Baptist 82-81 at home as part of Homecoming 2016.
By the Numbers: JT Roach hit the game-winner and led with 21 points on seven-of-14 shooting. Geoff Gerlach added 15 and seven rebounds, and Matt Scott scored a tough 12. Stephen Grosey added six boards and Martin Thomas had five assists.
The Difference: CUI hit three more field goals but CBU hit five more threes. Concordia outscored them in the paint 40-30 and off the bench 33-14.
Critical Plays: After two minutes scoreless to start, Geoff Gerlach banked one home to start the scoring. CBU regained the lead 12-8. JT Roach got it back 13-12 with a floater. Justin Davis came off the screen for a three, 22-14, Eagles with eight minutes left. The Lancers fought back 26-22 with five left. Roach hit a contested two and CUI led 33-27 with two left. CBU came storming back with seven straight, but Roach banked one home at the buzzer, 36-34 Eagles. The pace was back and forth early to start the second half, but a jumper from Gerlach put CUI ahead 48-44. CBU hit two threes and led 56-55 with 12 minutes left. Roach got it back with a three, 60-58. A four-point spurt made it 69-61 Eagles with eight minutes left. CBU responded with four-straight and got it down to 71-69. The Eagles responded with two layups, from Grosey and Gerlach. It was 80-78 Eagles with one minute left and CBU hit a three to make it 81-80 Lancers.Â
What it Means:Â The Eagles claim sole possession of first place in the PacWest at 18-3 and 11-2.
Up Next: A quick turnaround, as CUI host BYU-Hawaii at 7:30 pm on Monday. Check the live links in the inset. Â