SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — In the teams first meeting of the 2017-18 season, Concordia Men's Basketball (18-9, 11-7 PWC) went head to head with the Dominican University of California Penguins (5-20, 4-14 PWC) on Tuesday night. The Eagles headed to northern California for a three game road trip that was kicked off in San Rafael with a PacWest victory over Dominican, 77-57.

First half fire: After back to back turnovers in the first minute by Dominican, the Eagles hit the ground running. Jumpers by Mike Mellinger and JT Roach made for an early 4-0 lead. Mellinger continued to lead the offensive charge, grabbed a steal and hit a three pointer assisted by Tad Dufelmeier. Dufelmeier passed four assists on the night including a cross-court toss to Cameron English for a dunk in the 12th minute. The Penguins picked up offensive momentum late in the first half but were held off by the Eagles who accelerated into halftime with a 13 point lead, 46-33. 

Security in the second half: With the second period underway, the Eagles lead only grew larger. English found the ball at the window for a couple of dunks, just seconds apart. Both plays were assisted by Brian Chambers. A layup in the final minute by Michael Vos-Otin displayed Concordia's biggest lead of the contest in the final result. CUI forced 18 total Penguin turnovers and defeated DUC in PacWest conference play with a final score of  77-57. 

Eagle Eye: Chambers showed strength in offense notching 15 points and three assists. On defense, the guard grabbed five rebounds and two steals. Roach led the Eagles with 17 total points, five defensive rebounds, and one steal. Vos-Otin was also a top performer scoring eight points and passing five assists on the night. 

Coming Up: Eagles Basketball is headed to Belmont, Calif. for the last two games of the regular season including PacWest matchups between Notre Dame de Namur and Academy of Art. Concordia will look to beat NDNU for the second time this season while facing Academy of Art for the first time in 2017-18.