Los Angeles, CALIF. - In the first matchup of the PaCWest-CCAA Challenge, the CUI Eagles took on the Golden Eagles of Cal State LA in a much anticipated battle after the overtime thriller from last season. The Green and Gold were able to pull off the 90-76 victory and soar over CSULA. 

In the first couple of minutes both teams came out a bit anxious. But eventually CUI calmed down and went on a small run to lead 8-2 heading into the first media timeout.

After the break, Robert Taylor came into the game and scored five quick points to extend the lead, and the seasoned Concordia team never looked back again.

As the substitutions came in for the Eagles, they lifted the gameplay and extended the lead to 17-2 after back to back assists from Mike Mellinger to Taylor and leading scorer Darius Lee on back door layups.

Cameron English and Taylor continued the play just a few moments later as English hit a couple of buckets and Taylor drove to the basket and converted a basket plus the foul to extend the lead to 23-6.

Cal State LA finally started to find some rhythm and knock down shots but the Irvine squad kept them at bay and scored seemingly every time the LA squad scored leaving the score at 29-14.

The first half action was controlled by Concordia and saw the CUI Eagles balanced attack leading the Golden Eagles of Cal State LA 43-32 at the end of the first 20 minutes. Junior forward, Lee had 10 points and 3 rebounds, while Taylor had 8 points and 3 rebounds leading the Charge at half.

The Concordia squad shot an astonishing 50% from the field in the first 20 half and received massive production from the bench, outscoring the Golden Eagles bench 27-0.

"I finally let the game come to me," said Lee. "I attacked the goal, got to the free-throw line, and saw the ball go through the net, which helped my confidence. My teammates believe in me, it helps me as well, picking me up whenever I am down on myself."

Second half action was underway and CUI knew that they had to complete the game by competing in both halves. In last year's matchup between the two squads Concordia controlled most of the game but CSULA made a miraculous push and forced OT to eventually steal the game from the Green and Gold.

The Golden Eagles came out firing and cut the lead to single digits for the first time in over 12 minute of action. But, the Chicago native, Rob McCoy banked in a three to push the lead back to double digits 48-37.

Cal State LA would not give up, the Golden Eagles ramped up their full-court press and created a few turnovers to cut the deficit to six, with the score 51-45. The match was tit for tat as every time one team scored, you can bet your bottom dollar that the other squad would come down and convert as well for a stretch.

But big time players make big time plays and the pesky defense of Taylor and offensive threat of Graduate transfer, Andre Green put the CSULA run to a holt. The first of the consecutive buckets by Green was his patented fade-away jumper and then the next possession he came down and hit a big three to push the lead back to ten, the score was 76-66.

"Defense is what brings our team energy," said Taylor. "I try to provide a spark off the bench and stay prepared for the moment."

"We came together and made sure to block out all of the outside noise," said Green. "We focused on relaxing, playing for each other, and making the right plays."

From then on the Green and Gold were able to knock down their free-throws and beat the LA team's  press late in the game to soar through with the 90-76 victory behind the four double digit scorers: Lee, Green, McCoy, Taylor and the bench mob who outscored the Golden Eagles bench 48-18.

"It was a big win over a talented team tonight," said assistant coach Stephen Ferry. "We led wire to wire and did a good job of staying composed with a lead. I thought we handled pressure with poise, moved the ball well, and got good shots on the offensive end tonight."

The Eagles will be back in action tomorrow night, Saturday, Nov. 9 at 5:00 p.m. against Cal State San Marcos.

For the full schedule of the Concordia men's basketball team, click here.