IRVINE, Calif. – Fresh off back-to-back victories over Cal State Los Angeles and Cal State San Marcos, No. 23 Concordia University Irvine has emerged with a 4-1 non-conference record and a sturdy defense that is allowing only 78.4 points per game.

One of the reasons the Eagles are off to such a great start is the play of senior Rob McCoy who was named PacWest Defender of the Week on Monday.

McCoy is averaging a team-high 11.6 points per game and also leads the squad with 7.8 rebounds per contest. The senior transfer from Portland State is pulling down 5.1 defensive rebounds every outing and is tied with Jalen Sanders for the team lead with eight total blocks this year.

"Defense was a big part of our wins over the weekend because at times when we struggle on offense, we know we can rely on each other on defense to get a stop when we need one," explained McCoy.

"Rob can do it all on both ends of the floor," said CUI head coach Ken Ammann. "He is off to a good start and will be considerably more dangerous as we evolve and improve this season."

The Eagles also made a ferocious comeback against Ferris State the previous weekend, when they erased an 11-point deficit in the final three minutes to force overtime in their only loss thus far this season. McCoy, Sanders and Robert Taylor all forced key steals in that game that led to buckets and helped spur the comeback.

"Defensively as a team I think it is very hard to score on us because we're a very athletic team," said McCoy. "We have great on ball perimeter defenders as well as great shot blockers so it's a perfect combination for a good defense."

The Eagles held Cal State San Marcos to just 66 points in their thrilling two-point victory over the Cougars this past Saturday. Jamel White hit the game-winning three-pointer with three seconds left off an in-bounds pass from Darius Lee.

"I'm pleased with our start considering we have so many new guys learning to play together in our system," added Ammann. "It helps having so many versatile players who are bought in to winning first."

The next two tests for CUI will feature squads that were also picked in the top ten of the D2SIDA West Region Preseason Poll. The Eagles will host Western Washington at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 as part of "Tripleheader Friday" directly after the CUI women's basketball team holds its home opener at 5:30 p.m. against Humboldt State.

The Eagles will then face Seattle Pacific on Saturday evening to close out the two-day Aramark GNAC/PacWest Challenge. CUI fans are encouraged to wear black on Saturday for the school's "Blackout Night" promotion to support both the men's basketball team against SPU as well as the CUI women's volleyball team who will be playing Hawaii Hilo at 5 pm right before the men's game.

For the full CUI men's basketball schedule, click here.