Box Score
Irvine, CA - When Concordia Men's Basketball took the court for the 2016 home opener, not only did they seem ready to battle the no. 10 nationally ranked Chico State Wildcats, but beat them.
Early into the second half, the score and play of the Eagles indicated it would happen.
But despite jumping to a 35-21 first half lead, the Wildcats worked there way back into the game to claim a 65-61 victory.
The Eagles first half defensive tenacity and shooting established the lead, with points coming from 10 different Eagles. They also combined for six steals.
Concordia's intense pressure on defense limited former California Collegiate Athletic Association Player of the Year Robert Duncan to five points.
Tad Dufelmeier's three pointer at the start at the second half followed by
Josh Hauser's shot extended the Eagles to a 40-23 lead.
An Eagle foul sent Duncan to the free throw line where he nailed back-to-back shots. Duncan's second half dominance sparked the Wildcats, who outscored Concordia 40-18 down the stretch.
A small Wildcat lead was reduced to 60-59 with 1:13 remaining on Dufelmeier's points, but a foul on
Justin Davis sent Isaiah Ellis to the line. Ellis sank both of his shots, pushing the lead to three.
Dufelmeier added two more with 18 seconds on the clock to shrink the Wildcat lead back to one. These were the last Eagle points of the game. Jalen McFerren and Duncan combined for three successful free throws to to cap the game of a 65-61.
Dufelmeier led the Eagles with 11 points, three assists and four steals. Davis and
Brian Chambers each chipped in eight points.
Duncan delivered the game high 22 points, 17 of which came in the second half for the Wildcats.
The second half loss was not something the Eagles took lightly.
"There have been probably a hundred games where we have blown the lead, but I can't remember losing the game very many times," Head Coach
Ken Ammann said. "In that regard it was an extremely difficult loss."
Despite the outcome, Ammann and the Eagles are optimistic moving forward.
"But with this many new pieces it was good to see glimpses of what we will be very soon," Ammann said. "Chico's experience and poise got them the win, and they were the tougher team today. They exposed many areas we need to improve upon if we want to beat great teams."
Concordia looks to rebound at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow at CU Arena against Cal State San Marcos.
