IRVINE, Calif. — JT Roach scored a career high 30 points in tonight's PacWest matchup against the Dixie State University Trailblazers (6-5, 3-1 PWC). The Concordia Men's Basketball team (9-4, 3-2 PWC) dropped the game 87-82 in its final seconds. Brian Chambers scored 16 points for the Eagles while Mike Mellinger scored 13. Geoff Gerlach and Cameron English grabbed five rebounds each.
Dixie State was picked second in the preseason poll with two first-place votes. DSU went 19-9 last season, including an 11-1 record on its home court to earn a trip to the NCAA West Regional tournament. The Trailblazers found their first PacWest loss of the 2017-18 season against Cal Baptist University just two days ago.
The first two points of the game went to Dixie State. Soon after, Chambers got the Eagles on the board with a layup.
The Eagles trailed in the fourth minute while DSU took the lead 10-5. Fighting back, Concordia tied the game at 14, added a few free throw points by Roach, and two layups by English.
With nine minutes remaining, Tad Dufelmeier lobbed a pass to the glass that was grabbed by English for a dunk. The Eagles trailed 26-22.
CUI made a quick comeback before the end of the half including a three pointer and jumper by Roach. Chambers followed with a jumper of his own to send the teams to halftime. Dixie State led 46-44.
In the first minute of the second half, Dufelmeier tied the score 48-48 with a jumper assisted by Gerlach.
With twelve minutes remaining, Chambers hit a three pointer to propel the Eagles within three points of the Dixie State lead.
Mellinger buried a three pointer with seven minutes left followed by a steal and layup by Chambers, the Trailblazers led 74-68.
Roach scored two layups and hit a three pointer with 40 seconds remaining to bring the Eagles within two points of DSU.
Battling to the final second, The Eagles fell to Dixie State 87-82.
UP NEXT
The Eagles return to CU Arena after Christmas for a PacWest matchup against Azusa Pacific. Tip off is scheduled for December 30th at 7:30pm.
